Ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus, ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and ultrasound probe diagnosing method

ABSTRACT

An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/213,700filed Aug. 30, 2005, and is based upon and claims the benefit ofpriority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2004-252973, filedAug. 31, 2004; No. 2004-252974, filed Aug. 31, 2004; No. 2004-252975,filed Aug. 31, 2004; No. 2004-252976, filed Aug. 31, 2004; No.2004-252977, filed Aug. 31, 2004; No. 2004-267216, filed Sep. 14, 2004;and No. 2004-275982, filed Sep. 22, 2004, the entire contents of all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus and ultrasound probe diagnosing method which diagnose anultrasound probe used by an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and anultrasound diagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing anultrasound probe.

2. Description of the Related Art

A technique of diagnosing an ultrasound probe on the basis of signalsreceived by the ultrasound probe has been known through, for example,Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication Nos. 8-238243 and 10-227772.

A technique of detecting the transmission/reception characteristics ofan ultrasound probe by using signals obtained by receiving ultrasoundwaves reflected by a test object like a reflector placed to face theultrasound probe through the ultrasound probe has been know through, forexample, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2003-144432.

It has been difficult to efficiently diagnose an ultrasound probe byusing these related arts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has therefore been required to efficiently diagnose an ultrasoundprobe.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elementson the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasoundwaves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe,comprising: a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe withrespect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signalsreceived by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducingelements; and a presenting part which presents information based on thedetected posture.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasound probehaving an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, andobtains information for diagnosing a subject to be examined on the basisof reflected ultrasound waves received from the subject by theultrasound probe, comprising: a part which is placed to face theultrasound probe and detects a posture of the ultrasound probe withrespect to a test object different from the subject by causing at leastsome of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements to receivereflected ultrasound waves from the test object and comparing reflectedultrasound signals output from the ultrasound transducing elements witheach other, and a presenting part which presents information based onthe detected posture.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probehaving an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on thebasis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound wavesfrom a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, comprising:causing at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducingelements to receive the ultrasound waves; detecting a posture of theultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflectedultrasound signals output from the some ultrasound transducing elements;and presenting information based on the detected posture.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives a reflectedultrasound wave from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe,comprising: a setting part which variably sets a repetition period ofultrasound wave transmission/reception; a part which adds reflectedultrasound signals from the ultrasound probe in corresponding phases forthe each set period; and a diagnosing part which diagnoses theultrasound probe on the basis of the added signals.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflectedultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe,comprising: a setting part which variably sets a transmission/receptionperiod in repetitive ultrasound wave transmission/reception for eachultrasound wave transmission/reception; a part which adds reflectedultrasound signals from the ultrasound probe for the each set periodwhile leading edges of the signals are matched with each other; and adiagnosing part which diagnoses the ultrasound probe on the basis of theadded signals.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasound probeand obtains information for diagnosis on a subject to be examined on thebasis of reflected ultrasound waves received from the subject by theultrasound probe, comprising: a setting part which variably sets arepetition period of ultrasound wave transmission/reception with respectto a test object different from the subject; a part which adds reflectedultrasound signals from the ultrasound probe in corresponding phases forthe each set period; and a diagnosing part which diagnoses theultrasound probe on the basis of the added signals.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasoundprobe and obtains information for diagnosis on a subject to be examinedon the basis of reflected ultrasound waves received from the subject bythe ultrasound probe, comprising: a setting part which variably sets arepetition transmission/reception period for each ultrasound wavetransmission/reception with respect to a test object different from thesubject; a part which adds reflected ultrasound signals from theultrasound probe for the each set period while leading edges of thesignals are matched with each other; and a diagnosing part whichdiagnoses the ultrasound probe on the basis of the added signals.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing anultrasound probe on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives areflected ultrasound wave from a test object placed to face theultrasound probe, comprising: variably setting a repetition period ofultrasound wave transmission/reception; adding reflected ultrasoundsignals from the ultrasound probe in corresponding phases for the eachset period; and diagnosing the ultrasound probe on the basis of theadded signals.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probeon the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasoundwaves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe,comprising: variably setting a transmission/reception period inrepetitive ultrasound wave transmission/reception for each ultrasoundwave transmission/reception; adding reflected ultrasound signals outputfrom the ultrasound probe for the each set period while leading edges ofthe signals are matched with each other; and diagnosing the ultrasoundprobe on the basis of the added signals.

According to a 10th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe having signal lines for transmitting signals transmitted/receivedby ultrasound transducing elements, comprising: a part which applies atest voltage to the signal line; and a determining part which determinesa state of the ultrasound transducing element or the signal line on thebasis of a voltage value of the ultrasound transducing element or thesignal line upon application of the test voltage.

According to a 11th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe including an electronic circuit which has a signal line fortransmitting a signal transmitted/received by an ultrasound transducingelement and is configured to apply a bias voltage to the signal line,comprising: a detecting part which detects the bias voltage applied tothe signal line; and a determining part which determines a state of thesignal line on the basis of whether the bias voltage is detected by thedetecting part.

According to a 12th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe of a first type which has a signal line for transmitting a signalto be transmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element or anultrasound probe of a second type which includes an electronic circuitwhich has a signal line for transmitting a signal to betransmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element and isconfigured to apply a bias voltage to the signal line, comprising: aprobe identifying part which identifies a diagnosis target as anultrasound probe of the first type or an ultrasound probe of the secondtype; a part which changes an application state of a test voltage to thesignal line in accordance with identification of the diagnosis target asan ultrasound probe of the first type; a first determining part whichdetermines a state of the signal line on the basis of a transientresponse characteristic of a signal line voltage of the signal line whenthe application state of the test voltage is changed; a detecting partwhich detects the bias voltage applied to the signal line, in accordancewith identification of a diagnosis target as an ultrasound probe of thesecond type by the probe identifying part; and a second determining partwhich determines a state of the signal line on the basis of whether thebias voltage is detected by the detecting part.

According to a 13th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasound probehaving a signal line for transmitting a signal to betransmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element, and obtainsinformation for diagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of areflected ultrasound wave received from the subject by the ultrasoundprobe, comprising: a part which applies a test voltage to the signalline; and a determining part which determines a state of the ultrasoundtransducing element or the signal line on the basis of a voltage valueof the ultrasound transducing element or the signal line uponapplication of the test voltage.

According to a 14th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasound probehaving an electronic circuit which has a signal line for transmitting asignal to be transmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing elementand is configured to apply a bias voltage to the signal line, andobtains information for diagnosis on a subject to be examined on thebasis of a reflected ultrasound wave received from the subject by theultrasound probe, comprising: a detecting part which detects the biasvoltage applied to the signal line; and a determining part whichdetermines a state of the signal line on the basis of whether the biasvoltage is detected by the detecting part.

According to a 15th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasound probe ofa first type which has a signal line for transmitting a signal to betransmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element or anelectronic circuit which has a signal line for transmitting a signal tobe transmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element and isconfigured to apply a bias voltage to the signal line, and obtainsinformation for diagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of areflected ultrasound wave received from the subject by the ultrasoundprobe, comprising: a probe identifying part which identifies theultrasound probe as the first type or second type; a part which changesan application state of a test voltage to the signal line in accordancewith identification of the ultrasound probe as the first type; a firstdetermining part which determines a state of the signal line on thebasis of a transient response characteristic of a signal line voltage ofthe signal line when the application state of the test voltage ischanged; a detecting part which detects the bias voltage applied to thesignal line, in accordance with identification of the ultrasound probeas the second type; and a second determining part which determines astate of the signal line on the basis of whether the bias voltage isdetected by the detecting part.

According to a 16th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probehaving signal lines for transmitting signals transmitted/received byultrasound transducing elements, comprising: applying a test voltage tothe signal line; and determining a state of the ultrasound transducingelement or the signal line on the basis of a voltage value of theultrasound transducing element or the signal line upon application ofthe test voltage.

According to a 17th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probeincluding an electronic circuit which has a signal line for transmittinga signal transmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element andis configured to apply a bias voltage to the signal line, comprising:detecting the bias voltage applied to the signal line; and determining astate of the signal line on the basis of whether the bias voltage isdetected by the detecting part.

According to a 18th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probeof a first type which has a signal line for transmitting a signal to betransmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element or anultrasound probe of a second type which includes an electronic circuitwhich has a signal line for transmitting a signal to betransmitted/received by an ultrasound transducing element and isconfigured to apply a bias voltage to the signal line, comprising:identifying a diagnosis target as an ultrasound probe of the first typeor an ultrasound probe of the second type; changing an application stateof a test voltage to the signal line in accordance with identificationof the diagnosis target as an ultrasound probe of the first type;determining a state of the signal line on the basis of a transientresponse characteristic of a signal line voltage of the signal line whenthe application state of the test voltage is changed; detecting the biasvoltage applied to the signal line in accordance with identification ofa diagnosis target as an ultrasound probe of the second type; anddetermining a state of the signal line on the basis of whether the biasvoltage is detected.

According to a 19th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe, of a plurality of ultrasound probes, which is set as a diagnosistarget, comprising: a measuring part which measures a feature value of areflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; and a determining partwhich determines, on the basis of a reference value, of reference valuescorresponding to the plurality of ultrasound probes, which correspondsto the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target and the measuredfeature value, whether the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis targetis normal.

According to a 20th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which is configured to access afirst database in which a first reference value concerning featurevalues corresponding to a plurality of ultrasound probes is written anda second database in which a second reference value concerning variationdegrees of the feature values is written, and diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe set as a diagnosis target, comprising: a measuring part whichmeasures the feature value of a reflected ultrasound signal receivedfrom a test object by the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target;a part which obtains a variation degree of the measured feature value;an acquiring part which acquires the first reference value and secondreference value corresponding to the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target from the first database and second database; and adetermining part which determines, on the basis of comparison resultsobtained by comparing the measured feature value with the firstreference value and comparing the obtained variation degree with thesecond reference value, whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal.

According to a 21st aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which is configured to access adatabase in which reference values concerning at least two of anamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with respect to each of aplurality of ultrasound probes are written, and diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe set as a diagnosis target, comprising: a measuring part whichmeasures, as feature values, at least two of an amplitude, centerfrequency, and bandwidth of a reflected ultrasound signal received froma test object by the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; anacquiring part which acquires a reference value concerning each of themeasured feature values from the database in accordance with theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; and a determining partwhich determines, on the basis of comparison results obtained bycomparing each of the measured feature values with the reference valuecorresponding to the each feature value, whether the ultrasound probeset as the diagnosis target is normal.

According to a 22nd aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which is configured to access afirst database and second database, and diagnoses an ultrasound probe,of a plurality of ultrasound probes, which is set as a diagnosis target,the first database having a first reference value written concerningvalues of at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidthwith respect to each of the plurality of ultrasound probes, and thesecond database having a second reference value written concerningvariation degrees of at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth with respect to each of the plurality of ultrasound probes,the apparatus comprising: a measuring part which measures, as featurevalues, at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth ofa reflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; a part which obtains avariation degree of each of the measured feature values; an acquiringpart which acquires a first reference value and second reference valueconcerning each of the measured feature values from the database inaccordance with the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; and adetermining part which determines, on the basis of comparison resultsobtained by comparing each of the measured feature values with the firstreference value corresponding to the each feature value and comparingeach of the obtained variation degrees with the second reference valuecorresponding to the each variation degree, whether the ultrasound probeset as the diagnosis target is normal.

According to a 23rd aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus in which one of a plurality ofultrasound probes is selectively mounted to obtain information fordiagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of a reflectedultrasound wave received from the subject by the mounted ultrasoundprobe, comprising: a measuring part which measures a feature value of areflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by the mountedultrasound probe; and a determining part which determines, on the basisof a reference value, of reference values corresponding to the pluralityof ultrasound probes, which corresponds to the mounted ultrasound probeand the measured feature value, whether the mounted ultrasound probe isnormal.

According to a 24th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus in which one of a plurality ofultrasound probes is selectively mounted to obtain information fordiagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of a reflectedultrasound wave received from the subject by the mounted ultrasoundprobe, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus being configured to access afirst database in which a first reference value concerning a featurevalue of each of the plurality of ultrasound probes and to access asecond database in which a second reference value concerning a variationdegree of the feature value, comprising: a measuring part which measuresthe feature value of a reflected ultrasound signal received from a testobject by the mounted ultrasound probe; a part which obtains a variationdegree of the measured feature value; an acquiring part which acquiresthe first reference value and second reference value corresponding tothe mounted ultrasound probe from the first database and seconddatabase; and a determining part which determines, on the basis ofcomparison results obtained by comparing the measured feature value withthe first reference value and comparing the obtained variation degreewith the second reference value, whether the mounted ultrasound probe isnormal.

According to a 25th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus in which one of a plurality ofultrasound probes is selectively mounted to obtain information fordiagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of a reflectedultrasound wave received from the subject by the mounted ultrasoundprobe, and which is configured to access a database in which referencevalues concerning at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth with respect to each of the plurality of ultrasound probes arewritten, comprising: a measuring part which measures, as feature values,at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth of areflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by the mountedultrasound probe; an acquiring part which acquires a reference valueconcerning each of the measured feature values from the database inaccordance with the mounted ultrasound probe; and a determining partwhich determines, on the basis of comparison results obtained bycomparing each of the measured feature values with the reference valuecorresponding to the each feature value, whether the mounted ultrasoundprobe is normal.

According to a 26th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus in which one of a plurality ofultrasound probes is selectively mounted to obtain information fordiagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of a reflectedultrasound wave received from the subject by the mounted ultrasoundprobe, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus being configured to accessthe first database and second database, the first database having afirst reference value written concerning values of at least two of anamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with respect to each of theplurality of ultrasound probes, and the second database having a secondreference value written concerning variation degrees of at least two ofan amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with respect to each ofthe ultrasound probes, the apparatus comprising: a measuring part whichmeasures at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidthof a reflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by themounted ultrasound probe as feature values; a part which obtains avariation degree of each of the measured feature values; an acquiringpart which acquires a first reference value and second reference valueconcerning the measured feature values from the database in accordancewith the mounted ultrasound probe; and a determining part whichdetermines, on the basis of comparison results obtained by comparingeach of the measured feature values with the first reference valuecorresponding to the each feature value and comparing each of theobtained variation degrees with the second reference value correspondingto the each variation degree, whether the mounted ultrasound probe isnormal.

According to a 27th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probe,of a plurality of ultrasound probes, which is set as a diagnosis target,comprising: measuring a feature value of a reflected ultrasound signalreceived from a test object by the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosistarget; and determining, on the basis of a reference value, of referencevalues corresponding to the plurality of ultrasound probes, whichcorresponds to the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target and themeasured feature value, whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal.

According to a 28th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probeset as a diagnosis target by using a first database in which a firstreference value concerning feature values corresponding to a pluralityof ultrasound probes is written and a second database in which a secondreference value concerning variation degrees of the feature values iswritten, comprising: measuring the feature value of a reflectedultrasound signal received from a test object by the ultrasound probeset as the diagnosis target; obtaining a variation degree of themeasured feature value; acquiring the first reference value and secondreference value corresponding to the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target from the first database and second database; anddetermining, on the basis of comparison results obtained by comparingthe measured feature value with the first reference value and comparingthe obtained variation degree with the second reference value, whetherthe ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.

According to a 29th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probeset as a diagnosis target by using a database in which reference valuesconcerning at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidthwith respect to each of a plurality of ultrasound probes are written,comprising: measuring, as feature values, at least two of an amplitude,center frequency, and bandwidth of a reflected ultrasound signalreceived from a test object by the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosistarget; acquiring a reference value concerning each of the measuredfeature values from the database in accordance with the ultrasound probeset as the diagnosis target; and determining, on the basis of comparisonresults obtained by comparing each of the measured feature values withthe reference value corresponding to the each feature value, whether theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.

According to a 30th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probe,of a plurality of ultrasound probes, which is set as a diagnosis target,by using a first database and second database, the first database havinga first reference value written concerning values of at least two of anamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with respect to each of theplurality of ultrasound probes, and the second database having a secondreference value written concerning variation degrees of at least two ofan amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with respect to each ofthe plurality of ultrasound probes, the method comprising: measuring, asfeature values, at least two of an amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth of a reflected ultrasound signal received from a test objectby the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; obtaining avariation degree of each of the measured feature values; acquiring afirst reference value and second reference value concerning each of themeasured feature values from the database in accordance with theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; and determining, on thebasis of comparison results obtained by comparing each of the measuredfeature values with the first reference value corresponding to the eachfeature value and comparing each of the obtained variation degrees withthe second reference value corresponding to the each variation degree,whether the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.

According to a 31st aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe, comprising: a checking part which checks a state of theultrasound probe on the basis of a feature value of the ultrasoundprobe; an acquiring part which acquires outer appearance informationconcerning an appearance state of the ultrasound probe; and a presentingpart which presents both the check result and the acquired outerappearance information.

According to a 32nd aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasound probe,and obtains information for diagnosis on a subject to be examined on thebasis of a reflected ultrasound wave received from the subject by theultrasound probe, comprising: an ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus;a checking part which checks a state of the ultrasound probe on thebasis of a feature value of the ultrasound probe; an acquiring partwhich acquires outer appearance information concerning an appearancestate of the ultrasound probe; and a presenting part which presents boththe check result and the acquired outer appearance information.

According to a 33rd aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probe,comprising: checking a state of the ultrasound probe on the basis of afeature value of the ultrasound probe; acquiring outer appearanceinformation concerning an appearance state of the ultrasound probe; andpresenting both the check result and the acquired outer appearanceinformation.

According to a 34th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe having a plurality of channels each including an ultrasoundtransducing element, a signal line for transmitting a signal concerningthe ultrasound transducing element, and an contact with the plurality ofcontacts being arrayed to form a connector, comprising: a part whichchecks each of the plurality of channels; and a presenting part whichpresents the check result in correspondence with an array of theplurality of contacts in the connector.

According to a 35th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes an ultrasound probehaving a plurality of channels each including an ultrasound transducingelement, a signal line for transmitting a signal concerning theultrasound transducing element, and an contact with the plurality ofcontacts being arrayed to form a connector, and obtains information fordiagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of a reflectedultrasound wave received from the subject by the ultrasound probe,comprising: a part which checks each of the plurality of channels; and apresenting part which presents the check result in correspondence withan array of the plurality of contacts in the connector.

According to a 36th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe, comprising: a part which obtains a predetermined feature value ofa reflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by theultrasound probe; and a generating part which generates a simulationimage simulating an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using a virtualultrasound probe constructed on the basis of the obtained feature value.

According to a 37th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probe,comprising: obtaining a predetermined feature value of a reflectedultrasound signal received from a test object by the ultrasound probe;and generating a simulation image simulating an ultrasound diagnosticapparatus using a virtual ultrasound probe constructed on the basis ofthe obtained feature value.

According to a 38th aspect of the present invention, there is providedan ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasoundprobe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elementson the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasoundwaves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe,comprising: a part which makes a reception state of a reflectedultrasound wave in the ultrasound probe appropriate; a part which checksquality of a physical property of the ultrasound probe by comparisonwith a predetermined reference value; and a part which presents thecheck result.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic arrangement of an ultrasoundprobe diagnosing apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasoundprobe according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B are views showing the outer appearance of a probe holder;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence for navigation by acontrol unit and navigation processing unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a state wherein the posture of a head unit inFIG. 1 is inappropriate;

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the state of a reflected ultrasoundsignal in the state shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G are views for explaining the generationof a navigation window by the navigation processing unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a state wherein the posture of the head unit inFIG. 1 is appropriate;

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the state of a reflected ultrasoundsignal in the state shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing how times TR, TM, and TL are matchedwith a reference time Tref irrelevant to a focus time TF;

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing how navigation is performed withreference to the posture of the head unit set in the past;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a modification of the navigation window;

FIG. 12 is a view showing another modification of the navigation window;

FIG. 13 is a graph showing still another modification of the navigationwindow;

FIG. 14 is a view showing the appropriate posture of the head unit whenthe ultrasound probe is of a convex system;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the second and third embodiments;

FIGS. 16A, 16B are timing charts showing how the repetition period ischanged in accordance with a difference in the focal length of theultrasound probe shown in FIG. 15 in the second embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing how the repetition period is changedin the second embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a composite signal obtained by areceiving unit in FIG. 15 in the second embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a view showing how an ultrasound probe of the first type isconnected to a connector in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a view showing how an ultrasound probe of the second or thirdtype is connected to the connector in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence executed by acontrol unit when the state of a signal line of the ultrasound probeconnected to the connector in FIG. 19 is diagnosed;

FIG. 23 is a graph showing how the voltage of a signal line changesafter the start of application of a voltage to the signal line;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the basic arrangement of anultrasound diagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing anultrasound probe according to the fifth to eighth embodiments;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of theultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a view showing the arrangement of a reference database inFIG. 25;

FIGS. 27A, 27B are graphs showing an example of a change in theamplitude of a reflected ultrasound signal and a frequency spectrum;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of anultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of anultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a view showing the arrangement of a reference database inFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of anultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the eighth embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a view showing an example of how normal degrees are ranked;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the ninth embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a view showing an example of a report generated by theultrasound diagnostic apparatus in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a view showing a modification of the image displayed on thereport shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a view showing an example of the outer appearance of aconnector in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a view showing an example of an image displayed by the firstdisplay method;

FIG. 39 is a view showing an example of an image displayed by the seconddisplay method;

FIGS. 40A, 40B are views showing an example of an image displayed by thethird display method;

FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the 11th embodiment;

FIGS. 42A, 42B are flowcharts showing a processing sequence executed bya control unit for diagnosing an ultrasound probe in FIG. 41; and

FIG. 43 is a view showing an example of a comparative display image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention will be described below withreference to the views of the accompanying drawing.

(First Embodiment)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the first embodiment. This ultrasound diagnostic apparatusincludes a main unit 100 and ultrasound probe 200. The ultrasound probe200 includes a connector 201, head unit 202, cable unit 203, andidentification information output unit 204.

The connector 201 is connected to the main unit 100. The head unit 202is formed by arraying a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements 202a one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Each of the ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a is connected to the connector 201 through asignal line 203 a provided in the cable unit 203. The connector 201 isprovided with contacts 201 a connected to the signal lines 203 a. Thatis, the ultrasound probe 200 comprises a plurality of channels inparallel, each including the contact 201 a, ultrasound transducingelement 202 a, and signal line 203 a.

The identification information output unit 204 outputs identificationinformation assigned to the ultrasound probe 200. The connector 201 isalso provided with a contact 201 a connected to the identificationinformation output unit 204.

The main unit 100 includes connectors 101, 102, and 103, a transmittingunit 104, a receiving unit 105, a measuring unit 106, a storage medium107, an interface unit 108, a display processing unit 109, a navigationprocessing unit 110, a control unit 111, and a medical diagnosing unit112.

The connector 201 provided in the ultrasound probe 200 is attached tothe connector 101. The connector 101 has contacts 101 a equal in numberto the contacts 201 a provided on the connector 201. The contacts 101 aare so arranged as to come into contact with the contacts 201 a,respectively, when the connector 201 is attached to the connector 101.An external device (not shown) is connected to the connector 102 througha communication cable (not shown) such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus)cable. This external device is, for example, a printer, network,personal computer, keyboard, and pointing device. A monitor device (notshown) is connected to the connector 103 through a monitor cable (notshown).

The transmitting unit 104 transmits excitation signals for exciting theultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The transmitting unit 104 cantransmit excitation signals for the respective ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 105 receives the signalsreceived by the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The receivingunit 105 can receive the signals received by the ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 105 outputs the receivedsignals.

The measuring unit 106 measures the feature values of the signals outputfrom the receiving unit 105. A feature value includes, for example, thetime required between transmitting an ultrasound wave and receiving thereflected ultrasound wave. The measuring unit 106 outputs measurementinformation indicating the measured feature values to the storage medium107, interface unit 108, display processing unit 109, navigationprocessing unit 110, or control unit 111 under the control of thecontrol unit 111. The storage medium 107 is, for example, asemiconductor memory. The storage medium 107 stores various kinds ofinformation such as the above measurement information. The interfaceunit 108 performs communication processing conforming to, for example,the USB standard to realize communication with the external deviceconnected to the connector 102. The display processing unit 109generates an image signal for causing the monitor device connected tothe connector 103 to display an image on the basis of the abovemeasurement information, information supplied from the control unit 111,and the like.

The navigation processing unit 110 comprises, for example, amicroprocessor. The navigation processing unit 110 determines theposture of the ultrasound probe 200, and more specifically, the postureof the head unit 202 by properly referring to the measurementinformation output from the measuring unit 106 and the data suppliedfrom the storage medium 107 under the control of the control unit 111.The navigation processing unit 110 generates navigation windowinformation for navigating the operation of changing the posture of theultrasound probe 200 so as to eliminate the difference between thedetermined posture and the predetermined reference posture. Thenavigation window information is output to an external device throughthe interface unit 108 and connector 102 or output to the displayprocessing unit 109.

The control unit 111 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. Thecontrol unit 111 systematically controls the respective units of themain unit 100 to realize operation for the diagnosis of the ultrasoundprobe 200. The control unit 111 also has a function of sending datanecessary for processing in the navigation processing unit 110 from thestorage medium 107 to the navigation processing unit 110.

The medical diagnosing unit 112 also includes an imaging control unit112 a, image generating unit 112 b, memory unit 112 c, and display unit112 d. The imaging control unit 112 a controls the transmitting unit104, receiving unit 105, and image generating unit 112 b so as toperform proper imaging processing in accordance with diagnosis contentsor the like. The image generating unit 112 b generates display data fordisplaying an image for medical diagnosis on the basis of the signalsoutput from the receiving unit 105. The image represented by displaydata includes, for example, a reconstructed image such as a tomographicimage or three-dimensional image concerning an organ or blood flow in asubject to be examined or a text image or graph representing ameasurement value such as a blood flow rate or its change. The memoryunit 112 c stores the above display data. The display unit 112 dperforms display operation based on the display data.

The operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having the abovearrangement will be described next.

When medical diagnosis on a subject to be examined is to be performed byusing the ultrasound probe 200, information useful for medical diagnosiscan be presented by activating the medical diagnosing unit 112 in thesame manner as a known ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

In diagnosing the ultrasound probe 200, a maintenance operator places atest object in a medium such as water in a vessel such as a water bathand also makes the head unit 202 face the test object in advance, asshown in FIG. 1.

At this time, the ultrasound probe 200 is held by the probe holder 300shown in FIG. 2A in a state like that shown in FIG. 2B. A probe holder300 holds the ultrasound probe 200 by clamping it between two opposingrestraining members 301 and 302. This allows the ultrasound probe 200 toonly rotate about an axis along the pressing direction of therestraining members 301 and 302 and slide in a direction perpendicularto the pressing direction while fixing the posture of the probe in otherdirections.

If it is required to diagnose the ultrasound probe 200, the control unit111 executes processing like that shown in FIG. 3. In step Sa1, thecontrol unit 111 reads in the identification information output from theidentification information output unit 204. In step Sa2, the controlunit 111 acquires focus information concerning the model of theultrasound probe 200 connected to the connector 101. The model of theultrasound probe 200 is determined on the basis of the aboveidentification information. The identification information isinformation for specifying each ultrasound probe 200, and does notgenerally include information indicating a model. The control unit 111determines the model of the ultrasound probe 200 by referring to adatabase in which pieces of model information are written incorrespondence with various kinds of identification information. Thedatabase may be acquired in advance from the external device connectedto the connector 102 or stored in advance in the storage medium 107.Alternatively, information indicating a model may be contained inidentification information, and the control unit 111 may directlydetermine the model of the ultrasound probe 200 from this information.Focus information is information containing the focus time TF which isthe time required for an ultrasound wave to reciprocate to a focuspoint. The control unit 111 acquires focus information from the abovedatabase or another database. Note that when only the single model ofthe ultrasound probe 200 is to be diagnosed, such processing can beomitted.

In step Sa3, the control unit 111 causes the transmitting unit 104 tosequentially excite the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a forposture detection which are selected in advance from all the ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a. In this case, the number of ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a for posture detection may be arbitrary aslong as it is plural. The ultrasound transducing elements 202 a forposture detection which are to be excited are preferably spaced apart asfar as possible. In this embodiment, two ultrasound transducing elements202 a located on the two ends of the head unit 202 and one ultrasoundtransducing element 202 a located in the middle of the head unit 202,i.e., a total of three ultrasound transducing elements 202 a, are usedas the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a for posture detection. Inthe following description, for the sake of descriptive convenience,these three ultrasound transducing elements will be referred to astransducers R, L, and M. The transducer M is the ultrasound transducingelement 202 a located in the middle of the head unit 202. In addition,channels including the transducers R, L, and M will be referred to aschannels CHR, CHL, and CHM, respectively.

When the transducers R, M, and L are excited, reflected ultrasoundsignals from the test object are received by the receiving unit 105through the above exited transducers R, M, and L, signal lines 203 a,contacts 201 a, and contacts 101 a. As a consequence, the digitalsignals of the reflected ultrasound signals from the channels CHR, CHM,and CHL are obtained and input to the measuring unit 106. The measuringunit 106 then measure times TR, TM, and TL taken between exciting thetransducers R, M, and L and receiving the corresponding reflectedultrasound signals.

In step Sa4, the control unit 111 instructs the navigation processingunit 110 to execute posture determination. At this time, the controlunit 111 notifies the navigation processing unit 110 of a focus time TFindicated by the focus information acquired in step Sa2.

In response to this instruction, the navigation processing unit 110starts processing like that shown in FIG. 3. In step Sb1, the navigationprocessing unit 110 acquires the times TR, TM, and TL measured by themeasuring unit 106 in the above manner. In step Sb2, the navigationprocessing unit 110 initializes variables NFL and NFD.

In step Sb3, the navigation processing unit 110 compares the time TMwith the focus time TF notified from the control unit 111. If the timeTM is larger than the focus time TF, the processing of the navigationprocessing unit 110 advances from step Sb3 to step Sb4 to set thevariable NFL to “−1”. If the time TM is equal to the focus time TF, theprocessing of the navigation processing unit 110 advances from step Sb3to step Sb5 to set the variable NFL to “0”. If the time TM is smallerthan the focus time TF, the processing of the navigation processing unit110 advances from step Sb3 to step Sb6 to set the variable NFL to “1”.

Letting C be the sound velocity of an ultrasound wave propagating in themedium, L be the distance between the ultrasound transducing element 202a and the test object, and T be the time required between transmittingan ultrasound wave and receiving it, it is known that T=2L/C. Therefore,as shown in FIG. 5, if the time TM is larger than the focus time TF, thedistance LM between the transducer M and the test object is larger thanthe focal length LF of the ultrasound probe 200. The variable NFL is setto “−1” when distance LM>focal length LF, “0” when distance LM=focallength LF, and “1” when distance LM<focal length LF.

The processing of the navigation processing unit 110 advances from stepSb4, step Sb5, or step Sb6 to step Sb7. In step Sb7, the navigationprocessing unit 110 compares the time TR with the time TL. If the timeTR is larger than the time TL, the processing of the navigationprocessing unit 110 advances from step Sb7 to step Sb8 to set thevariable NFD to “−1”. If the time TM is equal to the time TL, theprocessing of the navigation processing unit 110 advances from step Sb7to step Sb8 to set the variable NFD to “0”. If the time TM is smallerthan the time TL, the processing of the navigation processing unit 110advances from step Sb7 to step Sb10 to set the variable NFD to “1”.

As described above, the times TR and TL are proportional to distances LRand LL between the transducers R and L and the test object. If,therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the time TL is larger than the time TR,the distance LL is larger than the distance LR. In this case, forexample, the head unit takes a posture like that shown in FIG. 4. Thevariable NFD is set to “−1” when distance LR>distance LL, “0” whendistance LR=distance LL, and “1” when distance LR<distance LL.

The processing of the navigation processing unit 110 advances from stepSb8, step Sb9, or step S10 to step Sb11. In step Sb11, the navigationprocessing unit 110 generates navigation window information representinga navigation window corresponding to the variables NFL and NFD.

Assume that the navigation window uses the image shown in FIG. 6A as abase image. This base image contains arrows A1, A2, A3, and A4 pointingup, down, left, and right and arrows A5 and A6 pointing clockwise andcounterclockwise.

The navigation processing unit 110 changes the colors of the arrows A1and A2 in accordance with the variable NFL. More specifically, if thevariable NFL is “−1”, the navigation processing unit 110 changes thecolor of the arrow A2 as indicated by the hatching in FIG. 6B. If thevariable NFL is “0”, the navigation processing unit 110 changes neitherof the colors of the arrows A1 and A2, as shown in FIG. 6B. If thevariable NFL is “1”, the navigation processing unit 110 changes thecolor of the arrow A1 as indicated by the hatching in FIG. 6D.

The navigation processing unit 110 changes the colors of the arrows A5and A6 in accordance with the variable NFD. More specifically, if thevariable NFD is “−1”, the navigation processing unit 110 changes thecolor of the arrow A5 as indicated by the hatching in FIG. 6E. If thevariable NFD is “0”, the navigation processing unit 110 changes neitherof the colors of the arrows A5 and A6 as shown in FIG. 6F. If thevariable NFD is “1”, the navigation processing unit 110 changes thecolor of the arrow A6 as indicated by the hatching in FIG. 6G.

The navigation processing unit 110 generates a navigation window bycombining one of the windows shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D with one of thewindows shown in FIGS. 6E to 6G. The navigation processing unit 110outputs the navigation window information generated in this manner tothe display processing unit 109. The display processing unit 109generates a signal for causing the monitor device to display thenavigation window on the basis of the navigation window information, andoutputs the information to the connector 103. The navigation windowinformation can be output to an external device through the interfaceunit 108 and connector 102.

In step Sb12, the navigation processing unit 110 notifies the controlunit 111 of the variables NFL and NFD. The navigation processing unit110 terminates the processing in FIG. 3.

If the maintenance operator changes the posture of the head unit 202 inaccordance with the navigation window, the difference between the timeTM and the focus time TF or the difference between the time TL and thetime TR is reduced. As shown in FIG. 8, if the time TM coincides withthe focus time TF, the distance LM coincides with the focal length LF.In addition, if the time TR coincides with the time TL, the distancesLR, LM, and LL coincide with each other. Therefore, all the distancesLR, LM, and LL coincide with the focal length LF. That is, as shown inFIG. 7, the test object is located at the focus point of the ultrasoundprobe 200, and the array surface of the ultrasound transducing elements202 a becomes parallel to the test object. In this state, since the timeTM coincides with the focus time TF and the time TR coincides with thetime TL, both the variables NFL and NFD become “0”.

Upon issuing an instruction to execute posture determination in stepSa4, the control unit 111 advances to step Sa5. In step S5, the controlunit 111 acquires the variables NFL and NFD notified from the navigationprocessing unit 110 in the above manner. In step Sa6, the control unit111 checks whether both the variables NFL and NFD are “0”. If either ofthe variables NFL and NFD is not “0”, the control unit 111 repeats theprocessing in step Sa3 and the subsequent steps. If the head unit 202takes the posture shown in FIG. 7, and both the variables NFL and NFDbecome “0”, the control unit 111 terminates the processing in FIG. 3.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the maintenanceoperator can place the test object at the focus point of the head unit202 and make the array surface of the ultrasound transducing elements202 a parallel to the test object by changing the posture of the headunit 202 as indicated by the arrows whose colors are changed in thenavigation window. This therefore facilitates the operation by themaintenance operator, reduces the load on the maintenance operator, andallows the maintenance operator to properly adjust the posture of theultrasound probe.

The first embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

As shown in FIG. 9, navigation may be performed to match the respectivetimes TR, TM, and TL with the reference time Tref irrelevant to thefocus time TF. At this time, although the reference time Tref may bearbitrarily set, any one of the times TR, TM, and TL measured at firstor a time predetermined for each of the ultrasound probes 200 may beused.

Navigation may be performed to match the respective times TR, TM, and TLwith each other without referring to a reference time like the focustime TF.

Navigation may be performed with reference to the posture of the headunit 202 which is set in the past. More specifically, the times TR, TM,and TL measured by the measuring unit 106 in the past are stored astimes TRold, TMold, and TLold in the storage medium 107. Navigation isperformed to bring newly measured times TRnew, TMnew, and TLnew to thetimes TRold, TMold, and TLold, respectively. For example, asTRS=TRnew−TRold, TMS=TMnew−TMold, and TLS=TLnew−TLold, differentialtimes TRS, TMS, and TLS like those shown in FIG. 10 are obtained. If thesigns of the differential times TRS, TMS, and TLS are (+), navigationmay be performed to bring the right end, middle, and left end of thehead unit 202 close to the test object. If the signs of the differentialtimes TRS, TMS, and TLS are (−), navigation may be performed to move theright end, middle, and left end of the head unit 202 away from the testobject. Although the times TR, TM, and TL measured at an arbitrary timepoint may be set as the times TRold, TMold, and TLold, these times maybe measured at a time point when a registration instruction is issued bythe maintenance operator.

The navigation window may include a photograph of the head unit 202 orcomputer graphics image as shown in FIG. 11. This makes it easy for themaintenance operator to recognize which posture change of the head unit202 is indicated by a given arrow. In addition, the tilt angle of thehead unit 202 may be obtained on the basis of the times TR, TM, and TLto tilt the photograph of the head unit 202 or computer graphics imageon the basis of the tilt angle, as shown in FIG. 11. This allows themaintenance operator to intuitively recognize what posture the head unit202 is in. Note that if a photograph or computer graphics image istilted in this manner, navigation display with arrows can be omitted.

A navigation window may be designed to display a character message asshown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the navigation processing unit 110 maygenerate sound information for outputting the above character message inthe form of sound.

As shown in FIG. 13, a navigation window may be designed such thatarrows A11 and A12 for navigation are displayed while being superimposedon images respectively indicating the waveforms of reflected ultrasoundsignals received through the channels CHR, CHM, and CHL.

A moving image or animation which indicates how the posture of the headunit 202 is changed may be prepared, and may be included in a navigationwindow.

If the resolution with which the times TR, TM, and TL are measured bythe measuring unit 106 is high, it is difficult to adjust the posture ofthe head unit 202 so as to match the time TM with the focus time TF andalso match the time TR with the time TL. In such a case, allowableranges are preferably provided in comparing the time TM with the focustime TF and comparing the time TR with the time TL. If, for example, thedifference between the time TM and the focus time TF falls within theallowable range, it may be determined that the time TM coincides withthe focus time TF. If the difference between the time TR and the time TLfalls within the allowable range, it may be determined that the time TRcoincides with the time TL.

If the ultrasound probe 200 is of a convex type, as shown in FIG. 14, atest object to be used is the one that has a reflecting surface with acurvature Rt corresponding to a curvature R of the emitting surface ofthe ultrasound probe 200. In this case, the curvature Rt is given byRt=R+F where F is the focal length of the ultrasound probe 200. In thiscase, it is necessary to match the central point of the curvature of theemitting surface of the ultrasound probe 200 with the central point ofthe curvature of the reflecting surface of the test object. In this caseas well, according to this embodiment, it suffices if reference valuesare set for the times TR, TM, and TL, respectively, to satisfy the abovecondition and navigation is performed so as to match the times TR, TM,and TL with the respective reference values.

The transmitting unit 104 and receiving unit 105 each may be designed tohave a 1-channel arrangement by using a matrix switch with a multiplexerarrangement. This makes it possible to reduce the circuit sizes of thetransmitting unit 104 and receiving unit 105.

Display operation based on a signal generated by the display processingunit 109 may be performed by the display unit 112 d. In this case, thedisplay processing unit 109 is connected to the image generating unit112 b. The image generating unit 112 b generates display data from thesignal generated by the display processing unit 109. The display data iswritten in the memory init 112 c.

This apparatus may be realized as an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus by omitting the medical diagnosing unit 112.

(Second and Third Embodiments)

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the second and third embodiments.

This ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a main unit 400 andultrasound probe 200.

The main unit 400 includes connectors 401, 402, and 403, a transmittingunit 404, a receiving unit 405, a measuring unit 406, a storage medium407, an interface unit 408, a display processing unit 409, a controlunit 410, and a medical diagnosing unit 411.

The connector 201 provided in the ultrasound probe 200 to be diagnosedis attached to a connector 401. The connector 401 has contacts 401 aequal in number to contacts 201 a provided on the connector 201. Thecontacts 401 a are so arranged as to come into contact with the contacts201 a, respectively, when the connector 201 is attached to the connector401. An external device (not shown) is connected to the connector 402through a communication cable (not shown) such as a USB cable. Thisexternal device is, for example, a printer, network, personal computer,keyboard, and pointing device. A monitor device (not shown) is connectedto the connector 403 through a monitor cable (not shown).

The transmitting unit 404 transmits excitation signals for excitingultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The transmitting unit 404 cantransmit excitation signals for the respective ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 405 receives the signalsreceived by the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The receivingunit 405 can receive the signals received by the respective ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 405 holdsreception signals sequentially received by repetitivetransmission/reception performed for each ultrasound transducing element202 a, and adds them together. The receiving unit 405 outputs thereception signals or a signal obtained by the above addition (to bereferred to as a composite signal hereinafter).

The measuring unit 406 measures the feature value of the compositesignal output from the receiving unit 405. The measuring unit 406outputs measurement information indicating the feature value obtained bythe above measurement processing to the storage medium 407, interfaceunit 408, display processing unit 409, or control unit 410 under thecontrol of the control unit 410. The storage medium 407 is, for example,a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 407 stores various kinds ofinformation such as the above measurement information. The interfaceunit 408 performs communication processing conforming to, for example,the USB standard to realize communication with the external deviceconnected to the connector 402. The display processing unit 409generates an image signal for causing the monitor device connected tothe connector 403 to display an image on the basis of the abovemeasurement information, information supplied from the control unit 410,and the like.

The control unit 410 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. Thecontrol unit 410 systematically controls the respective units of themain unit 400 to realize operation for the diagnosis of the ultrasoundprobe 200. The control unit 410 also has a function of determining thefocal length of the ultrasound probe 200. The control unit 410 has afunction of variably setting the repetition period oftransmission/reception of ultrasound waves. The control unit 410 has afunction of controlling the transmitting unit 404 to transmit ultrasoundsignals to the ultrasound probe 200 in a transmission interval startingfrom each period set as described above. In addition, the control unit410 has a function of diagnosing the ultrasound probe 200 on the basisof the measurement information obtained by the measuring unit 406, e.g.,the feature value of the composite signal.

The medical diagnosing unit 411 also includes an imaging control unit411 a, image generating unit 411 b, memory unit 411 c, and display unit411 d. The imaging control unit 411 a controls the transmitting unit404, receiving unit 405, and image generating unit 411 b so as toperform proper imaging processing in accordance with diagnosis contentsor the like. The image generating unit 411 b generates display data fordisplaying an image for medical diagnosis on the basis of the signalsoutput from the receiving unit 405. The image represented by displaydata includes, for example, a reconstructed image such as a tomographicimage or three-dimensional image concerning an organ or blood flow in asubject to be examined or a text image or graph representing ameasurement value such as a blood flow rate or its change. The memoryunit 411 c stores the above display data. The display unit 411 dperforms display operation based on the display data.

The above arrangement is common to the second and third embodiments. Thesecond and third embodiments differ in the contents of processingperformed by the control unit 410 as will be described below concerningthe following operation.

(Second Embodiment)

The operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to thesecond embodiment will be described below.

When medical diagnosis on a subject to be examined is to be performed byusing an ultrasound probe 200, information useful for medical diagnosiscan be presented by activating a medical diagnosing unit 411 in the samemanner as a known ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

In diagnosing the ultrasound probe 200, a maintenance operator places atest object in a medium such as water in a vessel such as a water bathand also makes a head unit 202 face the test object in advance, as shownin FIG. 15. The maintenance operator adjusts the distance between theultrasound probe 200 and the test object so as to position thereflecting surface of the test object at the focus point of theultrasound probe 200.

If it is required to diagnose the ultrasound probe 200, a control unit410 reads in the identification information output from anidentification information output unit 204. The control unit 410 thenacquires focus information concerning the model of the ultrasound probe200. Subsequently, the control unit 410 acquires focus informationconcerning the model of the ultrasound probe 200. The model of theultrasound probe 200 is determined on the basis of the aboveidentification information. The identification information isinformation for specifying each ultrasound probe 200, and does notgenerally include information indicating a model. The control unit 410determines the model of the ultrasound probe 200 by referring to adatabase in which pieces of model information are written incorrespondence with various kinds of identification information. Thedatabase may be acquired in advance from the external device connectedto a connector 402 or stored in advance in a storage medium 407.Alternatively, information indicating a model may be contained inidentification information, and the control unit 410 may directlydetermine the model of the ultrasound probe 200 from this information.Focus information is information concerning the focus of the ultrasoundprobe 200, and indicates at least a focal length F. Focus informationmay be prepared for each ultrasound probe 200. In this case, focusinformation corresponding to the ultrasound probe 200 connected to aconnector 401 may be acquired in accordance with identificationinformation.

The control unit 410 determines a repetition period Tf on the basis ofthe focal length F indicated by the acquired focus information in thefollowing manner. First of all, the control unit 410 calculates a timeTa required between transmitting an ultrasound signal from theultrasound probe 200 and receiving the ultrasound signal reflected bythe test object as Ta=2F/C where C is the propagation velocity of anultrasound wave in the medium in the vessel. The control unit 410obtains the repetition period Tf as Tf =ts+Ta+td where ts is the lengthof an interval during which an ultrasound wave is transmitted, and td isthe time taken for the reflected ultrasound signal which has reached theultrasound probe 200 to disappear.

The control unit 410 causes a transmitting unit 404 to excite anultrasound transducing element 202 a to transmit an ultrasound signal atthe repetition period Tf determined in the above manner. As describedabove, the length of one ultrasound signal transmission interval isrepresented by ts. A reflected ultrasound signal from the test object isreceived by a receiving unit 405 through the above excited ultrasoundtransducing element 202 a and a signal line 203 a. The receiving unit405 holds this reception signal for each period. Upon receiving signalsthroughout n periods (n is an arbitrary integer), the receiving unit 405adds the reception signals corresponding to the n periods with referenceto the transmission start timing of the ultrasound signal in eachperiod. The receiving unit 405 then outputs the composite signalobtained by addition to a measuring unit 406. The measuring unit 406then measures the feature value of the composite signal and generatesmeasurement information indicating the feature value.

The control unit 410 diagnoses the ultrasound probe 200 on the basis ofthe above measurement information. The control unit 410 diagnoseswhether, for example, the ultrasound probe 200 is normal. However, anitem concerning the ultrasound probe 200 which is to be diagnosed may bearbitrary.

The repetition period Tf is determined in consideration of the focallength of the ultrasound probe 200 as described above. For this reason,when the ultrasound probe 200 with 2F/C=Ta1 is connected to theconnector 401 and when the ultrasound probe 200 with 2F/C=Ta2 (Ta2<Ta1)is connected to the connector 401, repetition periods Tf1 and Tf2 areset, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. In this case, sinceTa2<Ta1, Tf1<Tf2. Each of the repetition periods Tf1 and Tf2 is set byadding a time Ts and time Td to a time Ta1 or Time Ta2, an ultrasoundsignal is transmitted immediately after the disappearance of thereflected ultrasound signal in either case.

According to the second embodiment, therefore, the idle time between thereception of a reflected ultrasound signal and the transmission of thenext reflected ultrasound signal can be eliminated. This makes itpossible to minimize the time corresponding to the n periods. As aconsequence, the ultrasound probe 200 can be efficiently and quicklydiagnosed.

(Third Embodiment)

The operation of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to thethird embodiment will be described below.

Conditions for diagnosis of an ultrasound probe 200 are set in the samemanner as described in the second embodiment. A control unit 410operates in the same manner as in the second embodiment up to theacquisition of focus information.

The control unit 410 determines repetition periods Tf1, Tf2, Tf3, . . ., Tfn on the basis of a focal length F indicated by acquired focusinformation in the following manner. First of all, the control unit 410calculates a time Ta required between transmitting an ultrasound signalfrom the ultrasound probe 200 and receiving the ultrasound signalreflected by a test object as Ta=2F/C. The control unit 410 obtains areference value Tf of the repetition period as Tf=ts +Ta+td. The controlunit 410 obtains a repetition period Tfi (i=1, 2, 3, . . . , n) asTfi=Tf+j×(i−1) where j is a constant. That is, the repetition period Tf1is set to the reference value Tf, and Tf2, Tf3, . . . , Tfn aresequentially incremented by the constant j at a time.

The control unit 410 causes a transmitting unit 404 to excite ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a to repeatedly transmit ultrasound signals. Asthe repetition period of this ultrasound transmission, Tf1, Tf2, Tf3, .. . , Tfn determined in the above manner are sequentially used for eachperiod. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the first repetition period is setto Tf1, and the second repetition period is set to Tf2. Assume that thelength of the transmission interval of one ultrasound signal is kept setto ts. Therefore, the lengths Tr1, Tr2, Tr3, . . . , Trn of a receptioninterval sequentially increase.

A receiving unit 405 receives a reflected ultrasound signal in areception interval. The receiving unit 405 then obtains a compositesignal by adding reception signals corresponding to n periods in thesame manner as in the first embodiment.

Since the ultrasound probe 200 and test object are maintained in thestate described above, a reflected ultrasound signal is supposed toreach the ultrasound probe 200 at a point of time when almost the timeTa has elapsed since the transmission of the ultrasound signal in eachperiod. When a multiplex reflected signal is generated, the multiplexreflected signal reaches the ultrasound probe 200 at a point of timewhen an almost time (N)Ta has elapsed since the transmission of theultrasound signal in each period. If the time (N)Ta is larger than Tfi,the multiplex reflected signal reaches the ultrasound probe 200 in thesubsequent period. In this case, a time Tbi between the start timing ofthe period in which the multiplex reflected signal is received and thereception of the multiplex reflected signal is obtained as (N)Ta−Tri. Asshown in FIG. 17, a time Tb1 associated with a multiplex reflectedsignal MF1 of an ultrasound signal transmitted in the first period isgiven by (N)Ta−Tr1. A time Tb2 associated with a multiplex reflectedsignal MF2 of the ultrasound signal transmitted in the second period isgiven by (N)Ta−Tr2. Since times Tr1, Tr2, Tr3, . . . , Trn sequentiallychange, the times Tb1, Tb2, Tb3, . . . , Tbn also sequentially change.Therefore, the timing at which a multiplex reflected signal is receivedwithin one period changes for each period.

When reception signals in the respective n periods are added togetherwith reference to the transmission start timings of ultrasound signalsin the respective periods, since the reflected signals are supposed toappear at the same timing, they are added together. As a consequence thelevel of the resultant signal increases by almost n times. However,multiplexed reflected signals appear discretely and hence are hardlyadded. As a result, the original reflected ultrasound signal componentsof the composite signal become sufficiently larger than the multiplexreflected signal components, as shown in FIG. 18.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the reflectedultrasound signal component of a composite signal can be easilydiscriminated from the multiplex reflected signal components. Therefore,proper diagnosis can be performed, while the influences of multiplexreflected signals are reduced, by diagnosing the ultrasound probe 200with attention being paid only to the feature amount of a compositesignal associated with reflected ultrasound signal components.

According to the third embodiment, the minimum value of a repetitionperiod is set in the same manner as in the second embodiment. For thisreason, suppressing the repetition periods Tf1, Tf2, Tf3, . . . , Tfn tonecessary minimum values makes it possible to efficiently and quicklyperform diagnosis.

The second and third embodiments described above can be variouslymodified as follows.

The repetition period Tf in the second embodiment and the referencevalue Tf in the third embodiment may be determined with slight marginsbeing added.

According to the second and third embodiments, a value input by themaintenance operator can be acquired as a focal length.

In the second or third embodiment, on the assumption that the distancebetween the ultrasound probe 200 and a test object is adjusted tocoincide with the focal length of the ultrasound probe 200, a repetitionperiod is determined with the focal length being regarded as thedistance. However, the above distance need not always be matched withthe focal length. If the distance is not set to coincide with the focallength, the distance should be determined, and a repetition periodshould be determined on the basis of the distance. If, for example, adistance is set for each ultrasound probe 200 or each type of ultrasoundprobe, a necessary distance may be acquired from a database or the like.Alternatively, a distance input by the maintenance operator can beacquired.

In the second or third embodiment, the ultrasound probe 200 may bediagnosed by referring to the feature amount measured for each signalwithout combining signals in a plurality of periods.

In the third embodiment, the minimum value of a repetition period may beset regardless of the focal length.

In the third embodiment, a repetition period can be changed in anarbitrary manner. For example, an increase in repetition period may bevaried. Alternatively, a repetition period may be sequentially decreasedor may be repeatedly increased and decreased.

In the second or third embodiment, the transmitting unit 404 andreceiving unit 405 each may be designed to have a 1-channel arrangementby using a matrix switch with a multiplexer arrangement. This makes itpossible to reduce the circuit sizes of the transmitting unit 404 andreceiving unit 405.

Display operation based on a signal generated by a display processingunit 409 may be performed by a display unit 411 d. In this case, thedisplay processing unit 409 is connected to the image generating unit411 b. The image generating unit 411 b generates display data from thesignal generated by the display processing unit 409. The display data iswritten in the memory init 411 c.

This apparatus may be realized as an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus by omitting a medical diagnosing unit 411.

(Fourth Embodiment)

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the fourth embodiment. This ultrasound diagnostic apparatusincludes a main unit 500 and ultrasound probe 600.

The main unit 500 includes connectors 501, 502, and 503, a transmittingunit 504, a receiving unit 505, a measuring unit 506, a storage medium507, an interface unit 508, a display processing unit 509, a voltagegenerating unit 510, resistors 511-1 to 511-n, first switches 512-1 to512-n, second switches 513-1 and 513-2, a control unit 514, and amedical diagnosing unit 515.

A connector provided on the ultrasound probe 600 to be diagnosed isattached to the connector 501. An external device (not shown) isconnected to the connector 502 through a communication cable (not shown)such as a USB cable. This external device is, for example, a printer,network, personal computer, keyboard, and pointing device. A monitordevice (not shown) is connected to the connector 503 through a monitorcable (not shown).

The transmitting unit 504 transmits excitation signals for exciting theultrasound transducing elements provided for the ultrasound probe 600.The transmitting unit 504 can transmit excitation signals correspondingto many channels (n channels) in parallel. The receiving unit 505receives signals output from the above ultrasound probe. The receivingunit 505 can receive n-channel signals in parallel. The receiving unit505 outputs the received signals. The receiving unit 505 also has afunction of detecting the voltages of signal lines which are providedfor the ultrasound probe 600 to transmit n-channel signals. Thereceiving unit 505 outputs detected voltage V(CH) corresponding to therespective channels to the control unit 514.

The measuring unit 506 performs predetermined measurement processing onthe basis of the reception signals output from the receiving unit 505.The measuring unit 506 outputs the measurement information obtained bythe above measurement processing to the storage medium 507, interfaceunit 508, display processing unit 509, and control unit 514 under thecontrol of the control unit 514. The storage medium 507 is, for example,a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 507 stores various kinds ofinformation such as the above measurement information. The interfaceunit 508 performs communication processing conforming to, for example,the USB standard to realize communication with the external deviceconnected to the connector 502. The display processing unit 509generates an image signal for causing the monitor device connected tothe connector 503 to display an image on the basis of the abovemeasurement information, information supplied from the control unit 514,and the like.

The voltage generating unit 510 generates voltages Vsup1, ±Vsup2, and±Vsup3 under the control of the control unit 514. The voltage generatingunit 510 can outputs the voltages Vsup1 corresponding to the n channelsin parallel. The voltage generating unit 510 can output the voltages+Vsup2, −Vsup2, +Vsup3, and −Vsup3, respectively, in parallel. Thevoltages Vsup1 are respectively applied to the B terminals of the firstswitches 512-1 to 512-n. The n-channel excitation signals output fromthe transmitting unit 504 are respectively supplied to the A terminalsof the first switches 512-1 to 512-n. The first switches 512-1 to 512-nselect these excitation signals and voltages Vsup1 and output them tothe connector 501 under the control of the control unit 514. Thevoltages ±Vsup2 are applied to the C terminals of the second switches513-1 and 513-2. The voltages ±Vsup3 are applied to the D terminals ofthe second switches 513-1 and 513-2. The second switches 513-1 and 513-2select and output the voltages ±Vsup2 and ±Vsup3 to the connector 501under the control of the control unit 514.

The control unit 514 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. Thecontrol unit 514 systematically controls the respective units of themain unit 500 to realize operation for the diagnosis of the ultrasoundprobe 600. The control unit 514 also has a function of determining thestate of a signal line associated with each channel on the basis of thevoltage V(CH) output from the receiving unit 505. The control unit 514further has a function of acquiring the identification information ofthe ultrasound probe connected to the connector 501 through theconnector 501, and identifying the type of the ultrasound probe 600. Inaddition, the control unit 514 has a function of controlling theoperation states of the receiving unit 505, voltage generating unit 510,first switches 512-1 to 512-n, and second switches 513-1 and 513-2 inaccordance with the identified type.

The medical diagnosing unit 515 further includes an imaging control unit515 a, image generating unit 515 b, memory unit 515 c, and display unit515 d. The imaging control unit 515 a controls the transmitting unit504, receiving unit 505, and image generating unit 515 b to performappropriate imaging processing in accordance with diagnosis contents orthe like. The image generating unit 515 b generates display data fordisplaying an image for medical diagnosis on the basis of the signalsoutput from the receiving unit 505. The image represented by displaydata includes, for example, a reconstructed image such as a tomographicimage or three-dimensional image concerning an organ or blood flow in asubject to be examined or a text image or graph representing ameasurement value such as a blood flow rate or its change. The memoryunit 515 c stores the above display data. The display unit 515 dperforms display operation based on the display data.

The operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having the abovearrangement will be described next.

When medical diagnosis on a subject to be examined is performed by usingthe ultrasound probe 600, activating the medical diagnosing unit 515makes it possible to present information useful for medical diagnosis asin a known ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

In diagnosing ultrasound probes 600, the ultrasound probes 600 of threetypes, i.e., the first to third types (to be referred to as probe typeshereinafter), can be set as diagnosis targets. Note that in thefollowing description, reference numerals 600-1 and 600-2 denote anultrasound probe of the first type and an ultrasound probe of the secondor third type, respectively, thereby discriminating them.

FIG. 20 is a view showing how the ultrasound probe 600-1 is connected tothe connector 501 shown in FIG. 19. Note that in FIG. 20, anillustration of some of the constituent elements of the main unit 500shown in FIG. 19 is omitted.

The ultrasound probe 600-1 includes a connector 601, head unit 602,cable unit 603, and identification information output unit 604.

The connector 601 is attached to the connector 501. The head unit 602 isformed by arraying n ultrasound transducing elements 602 a at themaximum one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Each of the ultrasoundtransducing elements 602 a is connected to the connector 601 through asignal line 603 a provided in the cable unit 603. The connectors 501 and601 connect signal lines 603 a to the receiving unit 505 and firstswitches 512-1 to 512-n.

The identification information output unit 604 outputs identificationinformation assigned to the ultrasound probe 600-1. The connectors 501and 601 supply the identification information output from theidentification information output unit 604 to the control unit 514.

FIG. 21 is a view showing how the ultrasound probe 600-2 is connected tothe connector 501 shown in FIG. 19. Note that in FIG. 21, anillustration of some of the constituent elements of the main unit 500shown in FIG. 19 is omitted.

The ultrasound probe 600-2 includes a connector 611, head unit 612,electronic circuit 613, cable unit 614, and identification informationoutput unit 615.

The connector 611 is attached to the connector 501. The head unit 612 isformed by arraying n ultrasound transducing elements 612 a at themaximum one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Each of the ultrasoundtransducing elements 612 a is connected to the electronic circuit 613.The electronic circuit 613 is connected to the connector 611 throughsignal lines 614 a equal in number to the ultrasound transducingelements 612 a provided in the cable unit 614. The connectors 501 and611 connect the signal lines 614 a to the receiving unit 505 and firstswitches 512-1 to 512-n.

The identification information output unit 615 outputs identificationinformation assigned to the ultrasound probe 600-2. The connector 501and 611 supply the identification information output from theidentification information output unit 615 to the control unit 514.

The electronic circuit 613 has a function of applying bias voltages tothe signal lines 614 a. In the second and third probe types, theelectronic circuits 613 output different bias voltages. The electroniccircuit 613 in the second probe type outputs a bias voltage equal to orhigher than a voltage Vth upon reception of the voltage ±Vsup2. Theelectronic circuit 613 in the third probe type outputs a bias voltageless than the voltage Vth upon reception of the voltage ±Vsup2. However,upon reception of the voltage ±Vsup3, the electronic circuit 613 outputsa bias voltage equal to or higher than the voltage Vth. The connectors501 and 611 connect third switches 513-1 and 513-2 to the voltage feedlines connected to the electronic circuit 613.

If it is required to diagnose the states of signal lines connected tothe ultrasound probe 600, the control unit 514 executes processing likethat shown in FIG. 22.

In step Sc1, the control unit 514 reads in the identificationinformation output from the identification information output unit 604or identification information output unit 615. In step Sc2, the controlunit 514 determines the probe type of the ultrasound probe 600 on thebasis of the above identification information. The identificationinformation is information which specifies each ultrasound probe butdoes not contain information indicating a probe type. The control unit514 determines a probe type by referring to a database in which probetypes are written in correspondence with various kinds of identificationinformation. The database may be acquired in advance from the externaldevice connected to the connector 502 or may be stored in the storagemedium 507 in advance. Alternatively, information indicating a probetype may be contained in identification information, and a probe typemay be directly determined from this information.

If the probe type is the first type, the control unit 514 advances fromstep Sc2 to step Sc3. In step Sc3, the control unit 514 causes the firstswitches 512-1 to 512-n to select the B-terminal sides, as shown in FIG.20. Note that the first switches 512-1 to 512-n normally select theA-terminal sides. Therefore, the application of the voltage Vsup1 toeach signal line 603 a is started.

The voltage of the signal line 603 a does not immediately reach thevoltage Vsup1 but gradually rises. This is because a capacitive loadcomponent exists when the head unit 602 is viewed from the connector601. The voltage of the signal line 603 a at time t, with reference tothe time when the application of a voltage to the signal line 603 astarts, changes in accordance with the state of the signal line 603 a,as shown in FIG. 23. Letting V be the voltage of the signal line 603 aat time t when the signal line 603 a is normal, the voltage of thesignal line 603 a at time t when the signal line 603 a isshort-circuited becomes V1 lower than V, and the voltage of the signalline 603 a at time t when the signal line 603 a is in the open statebecomes V2 higher than V.

In step Sc4, the control unit 514 waits for a time t after the firstswitches 512-1 to 512-n are switched in step Sc3, and acquires thevoltage of each signal line 603 a at time t, i.e., a voltage V(CH) ofeach channel, from the receiving unit 505 in step Sc5. In step Sc6, thecontrol unit 514 determines that any channel whose voltage V(CH) ishigher than the value obtained by adding an allowable error ε to thevoltage V is in the open state. In step Sc7, the control unit 514determines that any channel whose voltage V(CH) is lower than the valueobtained by subtracting the allowable error ε from the voltage V isshort-circuited. In step Sc8, the control unit 514 determines that otherchannels, i.e., channels whose voltages V(CH) fall within the range ofV±ε, are normal.

Note that the proper values of time t, the voltage V, and the allowableerror ε for the above determination vary depending on the type ofultrasound probe. If, therefore, values to be used as time t, thevoltage V, and the allowable error ε are written in the above databasein advance, and the values of time t, the voltage V, and the allowableerror ε are acquired from the above database on the basis of theidentification information read by the control unit 514 in step Sc1 andare used, the detection precision can be improved. In this case, thevoltage generating unit 510 changes the voltage Vsup1 to be generatedunder the control of the control unit 514. Likewise, variable resistorsmay be used as the resistors 511-1 to 511-n, and their resistance valuescan be changed.

If the probe type is the second type, the control unit 514 advances fromstep Sc2 to step Sc9. In step Sc9, the control unit 514 causes the firstswitches 512-1 to 512-n to select the A-terminal sides, and also causesthe second switches 513-1 and 513-2 to select the C-terminal sides, asindicated by the solid lines in FIG. 21. The control unit 514 thenadvances to step Sc1.

If the probe type is the third type, the control unit 514 advances fromstep Sc2 to step Sc10. In step Sc10, the control unit 514 causes thefirst switches 512-1 to 512-n to select the A-terminal sides, and alsocauses the second switches 513-1 and 513-2 to select the D-terminalsides, as indicated by broken lines in FIG. 21. The control unit 514then advances to step Sc11.

In the ultrasound probe 600-2 of the third type, the electronic circuit613 does not apply a bias voltage sufficient for detection to the signalline 614 a unless the voltage ±Vsup3 different from the voltage ±Vsup2is supplied, the voltage ±Vsup3 is applied to the electronic circuit 613through the second switches 513-1 and 513-2. In contrast, in theultrasound probe 600-2 of the second type, if the voltage ±Vsup2 isapplied to the electronic circuit 613, the electronic circuit 613applies a bias voltage sufficient for detection to the signal line 614a. Therefore, the voltage ±Vsup2 is applied to the electronic circuit613 through the second switches 513-1 and 513-2.

In step Sc11, the control unit 514 acquires the voltage of each signalline 614 a, i.e., the voltage V(CH) of each channel, from the receivingunit 505. In step Sc12, the control unit 514 determines that any channelwhose voltage V(CH) is equal to or higher than a threshold Vth isnormal, and other channels are broken.

Note that the values of the voltage ±Vsup2, voltage ±Vsup3, andthreshold Vth suitable for the above determination vary depending on thetype of ultrasound probe. If, therefore, values to be used as thevoltage ±Vsup2, voltage ±Vsup3, and threshold Vth are written in theabove database in advance, and the values of the voltage ±Vsup2, voltage±Vsup3, and threshold Vth are acquired from the above database on thebasis of the identification information read by the control unit 514 instep Sc1 and are used, the detection precision can be improved.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, if abnormalityhas occurred in the signal lines 603 a and 614 a or the connectors 601and 611 of the ultrasound probes 600-1 and 600-2, the abnormality can bedetermined. This makes it possible to easily diagnose that a cause ofmalfunction of the ultrasound probes 600-1 and 600-2 resides in anultrasound transducing element failure or a cable or connector failure.

The fourth embodiment also comprises a means for determining the stateof each signal line by paying attention to the transient responsecharacteristic of the voltage of the signal line and a means fordetermining the state of each signal line by paying attention to thebias voltage applied to the signal line, and selectively uses the twomeans depending on whether the diagnosis target connected to theconnector 501 is the ultrasound probe 600-1 or the ultrasound probe600-2 of the second or third type. In addition, in the fourthembodiment, the voltage ±Vsup2 and voltage ±Vsup3 can be selectivelyapplied to the electronic circuit 613, and the voltage to be applied tothe electronic circuit 613 is switched depending on whether theultrasound probe 600-2 connected to the connector 501 is the second orthird type. These make it possible to diagnose any types of ultrasoundprobes, i.e., any of the first to third types, and diagnose many typesof ultrasound probes by using one main unit 500.

In the fourth embodiment, the probe type of the ultrasound probe 600connected to the connector 501 is determined on the basis of theidentification information of the ultrasound probe, and diagnosingoperations are automatically switched in accordance with thisdetermination. This makes it unnecessary for the operator to pay anyattention to the probe type of the ultrasound probe 600 as a diagnosistarget. Therefore, the load on the operator can be reduced.

The fourth embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

Although the fourth embodiment can diagnose the three probe types, i.e.,the first to third types, the embodiment may be designed to diagnoseonly one or two probe types.

The ultrasound probe 600-1 may be diagnosed on the basis of the timerequired for the voltage of the signal line 603 a to reach the voltageV.

The ultrasound probe 600-1 may be diagnosed to only determine whetherthe probe is normal.

The transmitting unit 504 and receiving unit 505 each may be designed tohave a 1-channel arrangement by using a matrix switch with a multiplexerarrangement. This makes it possible to reduce the circuit sizes of thetransmitting unit 504 and receiving unit 505. In addition, the voltageVsup1 outputs of the voltage generating unit 510 can be integrated intoone output, and the resistors 511 and first switches 512 can beintegrated into one resistor and one first switch, respectively.

The applied state of the voltage Vsup1 can be changed in an arbitrarymanner. For example, the voltage Vsup1 may be a negative voltage. Thelevel of the already applied voltage Vsup1 may be raised or lowered.When the level of the voltage Vsup1 is to be changed, the polarity ofthe voltage Vsup1 may be kept unchanged or inversed.

Display operation based on a signal generated by the display processingunit 509 may be performed by the display unit 515 d. In this case, thedisplay processing unit 509 is connected to the image generating unit515 b. The image generating unit 515 b generates display data from thesignal generated by the display processing unit 509. The display data iswritten in the memory init 515 c.

This apparatus may be realized as an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus by omitting the medical diagnosing unit 515.

(Fifth to Eighth Embodiments)

A basic arrangement common to the fifth to eighth embodiments will bedescribed first. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the basicarrangement of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having a function ofdiagnosing an ultrasound probe according to each embodiment.

This ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a main unit 700 andultrasound probe 200.

The main unit 700 includes connectors 701, 702, and 703, a transmittingunit 704, a receiving unit 705, a measuring unit 706, a storage medium707, an interface unit 708, a display processing unit 709, a determiningunit 710, a control unit 711, and a medical diagnosing unit 712.

A connector 201 provided in the ultrasound probe 200 is attached to theconnector 701. The connector 701 has contacts 701 a equal in number tocontacts 201 a provided on the connector 201. Electrodes 701 a are soarranged as to come into contact with the contacts 201 a, respectively,when the connector 201 is attached to the connector 701. An externaldevice (not shown) is connected to the connector 702 through acommunication cable (not shown) such as a USB cable. This externaldevice is, for example, a printer, network, personal computer, keyboard,and pointing device. A monitor device (not shown) is connected to theconnector 703 through a monitor cable (not shown).

The transmitting unit 704 transmits excitation signals for excitingultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The transmitting unit 704 cantransmit excitation signals for the respective ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 705 receives the signalsreceived by the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The receivingunit 705 can receive the signals received by the ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 705 outputs the receivedsignals.

The measuring unit 706 measures the feature values of the signals outputfrom the receiving unit 705. The measuring unit 706 outputs themeasurement information obtained by the above measurement processing tothe storage medium 707, interface unit 708, display processing unit 709,determining unit 710, or control unit 111 under the control of thecontrol unit 711. The storage medium 707 is, for example, asemiconductor memory. The storage medium 707 stores various kinds ofinformation such as the above measurement information. The interfaceunit 708 performs communication processing conforming to, for example,the USB standard to realize communication with the external deviceconnected to the connector 702. The display processing unit 709generates an image signal for causing the monitor device connected tothe connector 703 to display an image on the basis of the abovemeasurement information, information supplied from the control unit 711,and the like.

The determining unit 710 determines, on the basis of the measurementinformation output from the measuring unit 706 and data supplied fromthe storage medium 707 under the control of the control unit 711,whether the ultrasound probe 200 is normal. The determining unit 710supplies the determination result to the control unit 711.

The control unit 711 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. Thecontrol unit 711 systematically controls the respective units of themain unit 700 to realize operation for the diagnosis of the ultrasoundprobe 200. The control unit 711 also has a function of sending datanecessary for the above determination from the storage medium 707 to thedetermining unit 710 in synchronism with the determination processingperformed by the determining unit 710.

The medical diagnosing unit 712 also includes an imaging control unit712 a, image generating unit 712 b, memory unit 712 c, and display unit712 d. The imaging control unit 712 a controls the transmitting unit704, receiving unit 705, and image generating unit 712 b so as toperform proper imaging processing in accordance with diagnosis contentsor the like. The image generating unit 712 b generates display data fordisplaying an image for medical diagnosis on the basis of the signalsoutput from the receiving unit 705. The image represented by displaydata includes, for example, a reconstructed image such as a tomographicimage or three-dimensional image concerning an organ or blood flow in asubject to be examined or a text image or graph representing ameasurement value such as a blood flow rate or its change. The memoryunit 712 c stores the above display data. The display unit 712 dperforms display operation based on the display data.

The above arrangement is the basic arrangement of the ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus according to the fifth to eighth embodiments. Thedetails of the fifth to eighth embodiments will be described below.

(Fifth Embodiment)

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of amain unit 700 according to the fifth embodiment. The same referencenumerals as in FIG. 24 denote the same parts in FIG. 25, and a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 25, a measuring unit 706 includes a buffer memory 706a, amplitude analyzing unit 706 b, center frequency analyzing unit 706c, and bandwidth analyzing unit 706 d.

A receiving unit 705 outputs a received signal as a digital signal. Thebuffer memory 706 a temporarily stores the digital signal output fromthe receiving unit 705. The amplitude analyzing unit 706 b analyzes thedigital signal stored in the buffer memory 706 a, and measures theamplitude value and amplitude variation degree of the digital signal.The center frequency analyzing unit 706 c analyzes the digital signalstored in the buffer memory 706 a, and measures the center frequencyvalue and frequency variation degree of the digital signal. Thebandwidth analyzing unit 706 d analyzes the digital signal stored in thebuffer memory 706 a, and measures the bandwidth value and bandwidthvariation degree of the digital signal.

A determining unit 710 includes a V level determining unit 710 a, Folevel determining unit 710 b, BW level determining unit 710 c, Vvariation determining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e,BW variation determining unit 710 f, and comprehensive determining unit710 g. The storage medium 707 is provided with a reference database(reference DB) 707 a.

The V level determining unit 710 a performs quality determination on thebasis of the amplitude value measured by the amplitude analyzing unit706 b and the level reference data for amplitude output from thereference database 707 a. The Fo level determining unit 710 b performsquality determination on the basis of the center frequency valuemeasured by the center frequency analyzing unit 706 c and the levelreference data for center frequency output from the reference database707 a. The BW level determining unit 710 c performs qualitydetermination on the basis of the bandwidth value measured by thebandwidth analyzing unit 706 d and the level reference data forbandwidth output from the reference database 707 a.

The V variation determining unit 710 d performs quality determination onthe basis of the amplitude variation degree measured by the amplitudeanalyzing unit 706 b and the variation reference data for amplitudeoutput from the reference database 707 a. The Fo variation determiningunit 710 e performs quality determination on the basis of the centerfrequency variation degree measured by the center frequency analyzingunit 706 c and the variation reference data for center frequency outputfrom the reference database 707 a. The BW variation determining unit 710f performs quality determination on the basis of the bandwidth variationdegree measured by the bandwidth analyzing unit 706 d and the variationreference data for bandwidth output from the reference database 707 a.

The comprehensive determining unit 710 g comprehensively determines, onthe basis of the quality determination results obtained by the V leveldetermining unit 710 a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, BW leveldetermining unit 710 c, V variation determining unit 710 d, Fo variationdetermining unit 710 e, and BW variation determining unit 710 f, whetherthe ultrasound probe 200 is normal.

FIG. 26 is a view showing the arrangement of the reference database 707a.

The reference database 707 a includes a plurality of probe-specificreference databases (probe-specific reference DBs) 771. In theprobe-specific reference databases 771, reference data determined inconsideration of the characteristics of different types of ultrasoundprobes are written respectively. Each probe-specific reference database771 includes a V reference database (V reference DB) 771 a, Fo referencedatabase (Fo reference DB) 771 b, and BW reference database (BWreference DB) 771 c.

As shown in FIG. 26, in the V reference database 771 a, incorrespondence with each channel of the ultrasound probe 200, levelreference data for amplitude and variation reference data for qualitydetermination concerning the corresponding channel are written incorrespondence with the corresponding channel. In the Fo referencedatabase 771 b, as shown in FIG. 26, level reference data for centerfrequency and variation reference data for quality determinationconcerning the corresponding channel are written. In the BW referencedatabase 771 c, as shown in FIG. 26, level reference data for bandwidthand variation reference data for quality determination concerning thecorresponding channel are written.

The operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to thefifth embodiment having the above arrangement will be described next.

When medical diagnosis on a subject to be examined is performed by usingthe ultrasound probe 200, activating the medical diagnosing unit 712makes it possible to present information useful for medical diagnosis asin a known ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

In diagnosing the ultrasound probe 200, a maintenance operator places atest object in a medium such as water in a vessel such as a water bathand also makes a head unit 202 face the test object in advance, as shownin FIG. 24.

If it is required to diagnose the ultrasound probe 200, the control unit711 causes the transmitting unit 704 to sequentially excite theultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The control unit 711 causes thereceiving unit 705 to receive reflected ultrasound signals from the testobject through the excited ultrasound transducing elements 202 a, signallines 203 a, the contacts 201 a, and the contacts 701 a. As aconsequence, the digital signals of the reflected ultrasound signals inthe respective channels are sequentially stored in the buffer memory 706a. The control unit 711 causes the amplitude analyzing unit 706 b tomeasure the amplitude values and amplitude variation degrees of thereflected ultrasound signals, causes the center frequency analyzing unit706 c to measure the center frequency values and center frequencyvariation degrees of the reflected ultrasound signals, and causes thebandwidth analyzing unit 706 d to measure the bandwidth values andbandwidth variation degrees of the reflected ultrasound signals.

FIG. 27A is a graph showing an example of a change in the amplitude of areflected ultrasound signal. The amplitude analyzing unit 706 b sets thevalue of (V+max)+|(V−max)| or a larger one of the values of V+max and|(V−max)| in FIG. 27A as an amplitude value. The amplitude analyzingunit 706 b sets the difference or ratio between the measured amplitudevalue and predetermined specified value as an amplitude variationdegree.

FIG. 27B is a graph showing an example of a frequency spectrum of areflected ultrasound signal. The center frequency analyzing unit 706 csets (FL+FH)/2 in FIG. 27B as a center frequency value. The centerfrequency analyzing unit 706 c also sets the difference or ratio betweenthe measured center frequency value and the predetermined specifiedvalue as a center frequency variation degree. The bandwidth analyzingunit 706 d sets (FH−FL) in FIG. 27B as a bandwidth value. The bandwidthanalyzing unit 706 d sets the difference or ratio between the bandwidthvalue and the predetermined specified value as a bandwidth variationdegree.

The control unit 711 sends level reference data for amplitude, levelreference data for center frequency, level reference data for bandwidth,variation reference data for amplitude, variation reference data forcenter frequency, and variation reference data for bandwidth whichcorrespond to each channel from the reference database 707 a to the Vlevel determining unit 710 a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, BW leveldetermining unit 710 c, V variation determining unit 710 d, Fo variationdetermining unit 710 e, and BW variation determining unit 710 f,respectively, in accordance with the timing at which an amplitude value,center frequency value, bandwidth value, amplitude variation degree,center frequency variation degree, and bandwidth variation degree aremeasured for each channel. Note that the control unit 711 determines thetype of ultrasound probe 200 on the basis of the identificationinformation output from an identification information output unit 204,and outputs each reference data from the probe-specific referencedatabase 771 corresponding to the type of ultrasound probe 200.

Note that identification information is information which specifies eachultrasound probe 200 but does not generally include informationindicating a model. The control unit 711 determines the model of theultrasound probe 200 by referring to a database in which pieces of modelinformation are written in correspondence with various kinds ofidentification information. The database may be acquired in advance fromthe external device connected to a connector 702 or stored in advance inthe storage medium 707. Alternatively, information indicating a modelmay be contained in identification information, and the control unit 711may directly determine the model of the ultrasound probe 200 from thisinformation.

The V level determining unit 710 a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, andBW level determining unit 710 c determine the quality of each channeldepending on whether the amplitude value, center frequency value, andbandwidth value fall within the reference ranges indicated by the levelreference data for amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth,respectively. Each of the V level determining unit 710 a, Fo leveldetermining unit 710 b, and BW level determining unit 710 c output“PASS” as a determination result when a corresponding value falls withina corresponding reference range, and outputs “FAIL” as a determinationresult when a corresponding value falls outside a correspondingreference range. Note that level reference data for amplitude, centerfrequency, and bandwidth may indicate thresholds or allowable ranges. Ifthe level reference data indicate thresholds, the V level determiningunit 710 a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, and BW level determiningunit 710 c perform the above quality determination by comparing thethresholds with the respective values. If the level reference dataindicate allowable ranges, these units perform the above qualitydetermination by checking whether the respective values fall within theallowable ranges.

The V variation determining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit710 e, and BW variation determining unit 710 f determines the quality ofeach channel depending on whether the amplitude variation degree, centerfrequency variation degree, and bandwidth variation degree fall withinthe ranges indicated by the variation reference data for amplitude,center frequency, and bandwidth, respectively. Each of the V variationdetermining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e, and BWvariation determining unit 710 f outputs “PASS” as a determinationresult when each value falls within the corresponding reference range,and outputs “FAIL” when each value falls outside the correspondingreference range. Note that variation reference data for amplitude,center frequency, and bandwidth may indicate thresholds or allowableranges. If the variation reference data indicate thresholds, the Vvariation determining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e,and BW variation determining unit 710 f perform the above qualitydetermination by comparing the thresholds with the respective variationdegrees. If the variation reference data indicate allowable ranges,these units perform the above quality determination by checking whetherthe respective variation degrees fall within the allowable ranges.

The comprehensive determining unit 710 g finally determines the qualityof each channel on the basis of the respective determination resultsobtained by the V level determining unit 710 a, Fo level determiningunit 710 b, BW level determining unit 710 c, V variation determiningunit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e, and BW variationdetermining unit 710 f with respect to the same channel. Thecomprehensive determining unit 710 g further determines the quality ofthe ultrasound probe 200 on the basis of quality determination resultswith respect to all the channels. The comprehensive determining unit 710g notifies the control unit 711 of the quality determination resultconcerning each channel and the quality determination result concerningthe ultrasound probe 200.

The control unit 711 generates a display image indicating the qualitydetermination result concerning each channel and the qualitydetermination result concerning the ultrasound probe 200. A signal forcausing the monitor device to display the display image is generated bya display processing unit 709 under the control of the control unit 711,and is output from a connector 703. The control unit 711 can generatethe print data of a report containing the display image. This print datais sent to a printer through an interface unit 708 and the connector 702and printed.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the quality ofthe ultrasound probe 200, i.e., whether the ultrasound probe 200 isnormal, is automatically determined. For quality determination,reference ranges corresponding to the types of ultrasound probes 200 areused. The above determination can therefore be properly performed inconsideration of the characteristics of each type of ultrasound probe.The maintenance operator can easily and reliably recognize the necessityof maintenance for the ultrasound probe 200 by checking thedetermination result.

In addition, according to the fifth embodiment, quality determination isperformed for each channel, and an individual reference range is usedfor this quality determination. This makes it possible to perform moreappropriate determination considering also differences incharacteristics between channels.

Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment, since an amplitudevalue, center frequency value, and bandwidth value are used as featurevalues, appropriate determination can be performed by qualitydetermination considering the characteristics of reflected ultrasoundsignals in many aspects.

Moreover, according to the fifth embodiment, quality determination isperformed considering not only the feature value of a reflectedultrasound signal but also the variation degree of the feature value.This makes it possible to determine, as abnormal, a state whereinalthough each feature value falls within a corresponding referencerange, variations in feature value are large.

(Sixth Embodiment)

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of amain unit 700 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 28 shows onlydifferent points from the arrangement in the fifth embodiment, and thearrangement of the portion which is not shown is the same as in thefifth embodiment. The same reference numerals as in FIGS. 24 and 25denote the same parts in FIG. 28, and a detailed description thereofwill be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 28, a determining unit 710 includes a V leveldetermining unit 710 a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, BW leveldetermining unit 710 c, V variation determining unit 710 d, Fo variationdetermining unit 710 e, BW variation determining unit 710 f, andweighted determining unit 710 h. A storage medium 707 is provided with adetermination weight database (determination weight DB) 707 b inaddition to a reference database 707 a.

Like the comprehensive determining unit 710 g, the weighted determiningunit 710 h comprehensively determines, on the basis of the qualitydetermination results obtained by the V level determining unit 710 a, Folevel determining unit 710 b, BW level determining unit 710 c, Vvariation determining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e,and BW variation determining unit 710 f, whether an ultrasound probe 200is normal. Note, however, that the weighted determining unit 710 hweights each determination result on the basis of the weighting datastored in the determination weight database 707 b. The weighteddetermining unit 710 h then performs the above comprehensivedetermination on the basis of each weighted determination result.

In the determination weight database 707 b, weighting data indicating aweighting method for each determination result is written incorrespondence with each type of ultrasound probe 200.

In the main unit 700 of the sixth embodiment having the abovearrangement, weighting data corresponding to the type of ultrasoundprobe 200 is sent from the determination weight database 707 b to theweighted determining unit 710 h under the control of a control unit 711.The weighted determining unit 710 h weights the quality determinationresults obtained by the V level determining unit 710 a, Fo leveldetermining unit 710 b, BW level determining unit 710 c, V variationdetermining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e, and BWvariation determining unit 710 f on the basis of the above weightingdata, and finally determines the quality of each channel on the basis ofthe weighted determination results. In addition, the weighteddetermining unit 710 h determines the quality of the ultrasound probe200 on the basis of the quality determination results concerning all thechannels. The weighted determining unit 710 h notifies the control unit711 of the quality determination result concerning each channel and thequality determination result concerning the ultrasound probe 200.

According to the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of thefifth embodiment can be achieved. In addition, according to the sixthembodiment, when the influences of an amplitude value, center frequencyvalue, bandwidth value, amplitude variation degree, center frequencyvariation degree, and bandwidth variation degree on the performance ofthe ultrasound probes 200 vary in degree depending on the types ofultrasound probes 200, more appropriate quality determination can beperformed in consideration of this.

(Seventh Embodiment)

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of amain unit 700 according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 29 shows onlydifferent points from the arrangement in the fifth embodiment, and thearrangement of the portion which is not shown is the same as in thefifth embodiment. The same reference numerals as in FIGS. 24, 25, and 28denote the same parts in FIG. 29, and a detailed description thereofwill be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 29, a determining unit 710 includes weighting units 710i, 710 j, 710 k, 710 m, 710 n, and 710 p in addition to a V leveldetermining unit 710 a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, BW leveldetermining unit 710 c, V variation determining unit 710 d, Fo variationdetermining unit 710 e, BW variation determining unit 710 f, andweighted determining unit 710 h. The storage medium 707 is provided witha reference database 707 c in addition to a determination weightdatabase 707 b.

The determination results obtained by the V level determining unit 710a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, BW level determining unit 710 c, Vvariation determining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e,and BW variation determining unit 710 f are input to the weighting units710 i, 710 j, 710 k, 710 m, 710 n, and 710 p, respectively. Theweighting units 710 i, 710 j, 710 k, 710 m, 710 n, and 710 p weight theabove input determination results on the basis of the weighting datastored in the reference database 707 c. The respective determinationresults weighted by the weighting units 710 i, 710 j, 710 k, 710 m, 710n, and 710 p are input to the weighted determining unit 710 h.

FIG. 30 is a view showing the arrangement of the reference database 707c. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 26 denote the same parts inFIG. 30, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The reference database 707 c includes a plurality of probe-specificreference databases 772. In the probe-specific reference databases 772,reference data and weighting data which are set in consideration of thecharacteristics of different types of ultrasound probes are written.Each probe-specific reference database 772 includes a weighted database(weighted DB) 772 a in addition to a V reference database 771 a, Foreference database 771 b, and BW reference database 771 c.

As shown in FIG. 30, in the weighted database 772 a, weighting dataconcerning each channel is written in correspondence with each channelof the ultrasound probe 200. Weighting data indicates a weighting methodset in consideration of differences in characteristics between channels.

In the main unit 700 of the seventh embodiment having the abovearrangement, weighting data are sent from the reference database 707 cto the weighting units 710 i, 710 j, 710 k, 710 m, 710 n, and 710 punder the control of a control unit 711. Note that the control unit 711sends weighting data corresponding to each channel from the referencedatabase 707 c to the weighting units 710 i, 710 j, 710 k, 710 m, 710 n,and 710 p in accordance with the timing at which determination resultsconcerning each channel are output from the V level determining unit 710a, Fo level determining unit 710 b, BW level determining unit 710 c, Vvariation determining unit 710 d, Fo variation determining unit 710 e,and BW variation determining unit 710 f. The control unit 711 causes theprobe-specific reference databases 772 to output weighting data inaccordance with the types of ultrasound probes 200.

The weighting units 710 i, 710 j, 710 k, 710 m, 710 n, and 710 p weightthe input determination results on the basis of the weighting data sentfrom the reference database 707 c. With this operation, eachdetermination result is weighted for each channel. Each determinationresult weighted in this manner is input to the weighted determining unit710 h, and final determination is performed in the same manner as in thesixth embodiment.

According to the seventh embodiment, the same effects as those of thefifth and sixth embodiments can be achieved. In addition, according tothe seventh embodiment, since the determination results based onamplitude values, center frequency values, bandwidth values, amplitudevariation degrees, center frequency variation degrees, and bandwidthvariation degrees are weighted for each channel, more appropriatequality determination can be performed in consideration of differencesin characteristics between channels.

(Eighth Embodiment)

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the characteristic arrangement of amain unit 700 according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 31 shows onlydifferent points from the arrangement in the fifth embodiment, and thearrangement of the portion which is not shown is the same as in thefifth embodiment. The same reference numerals as in FIGS. 24 and 25denote the same parts in FIG. 31, and a detailed description thereofwill be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 31, a determining unit 710 includes a V leveldegradation determining unit 710 q, Fo level degradation determiningunit 710 r, BW level degradation determining unit 710 s, V variationdegradation determining unit 710 v, Fo variation degradation determiningunit 710 w, BW variation degradation determining unit 710 x, andcomprehensive determining unit 710 y. A storage medium 707 is providedwith a reference database 707 d and past acquired data database (pastacquired data DB) 707 e.

The V level degradation determining unit 710 q obtains a degradationdegree of an amplitude value (to be referred to as an amplitudedegradation degree hereinafter) on the basis of the amplitude valuenewly measured by an amplitude analyzing unit 706 b and the pastmeasured amplitude value output from the past acquired data database 707e. The V level degradation determining unit 710 q performs qualitydetermination on the basis of the obtained amplitude degradation degreeand the level degradation degree reference data for amplitude outputfrom the reference database 707 d. The Fo level degradation determiningunit 710 r obtains a degradation degree of a center frequency value (tobe referred to as a center frequency degradation degree hereinafter) onthe basis of the center frequency value newly measured by a centerfrequency analyzing unit 706 c and the past measured center frequencyvalue output from the past acquired data database 707 e. The Fo leveldegradation determining unit 710 r performs quality determination on thebasis of the obtained center frequency degradation degree and the leveldegradation degree reference data for center frequency output from thereference database 707 d. The BW level degradation determining unit 710s obtains a degradation degree of a bandwidth value (to be referred toas a bandwidth degradation degree hereinafter) on the basis of thebandwidth value newly measured by a bandwidth analyzing unit 706 d andthe past measured bandwidth value output from the past acquired datadatabase 707 e. The BW level degradation determining unit 710 s performsquality determination on the basis of the obtained bandwidth degradationdegree and the level degradation degree reference data for bandwidthoutput from the reference database 707 d.

The V variation degradation determining unit 710 v obtains a degradationdegree of an amplitude variation (to be referred to as an amplitudevariation degradation degree hereinafter) on the basis of the amplitudevariation degree newly measured by the amplitude analyzing unit 706 band the past measured amplitude variation degree output from the pastacquired data database 707 e. The V variation degradation determiningunit 710 v performs quality determination on the basis of the obtainedamplitude variation degradation degree and the variation degradationdegree reference data for amplitude output from the reference database707 d. The Fo variation degradation determining unit 710 w obtains adegradation degree of a center frequency variation (to be referred to asa center frequency variation degradation degree hereinafter) on thebasis of the center frequency variation degree newly measured by thecenter frequency analyzing unit 706 c and the past measured centerfrequency variation degree output from the past acquired data database707 e. The Fo variation degradation determining unit 710 w performsquality determination on the basis of the obtained center frequencyvariation degradation degree and the variation degradation degreereference data for center frequency output from the reference database707 d. The BW variation degradation determining unit 710 x obtains adegradation degree of a bandwidth variation (to be referred to as abandwidth variation degradation degree hereinafter) on the basis of thebandwidth variation degree newly measured by the bandwidth analyzingunit 706 d and the past measured bandwidth variation degree output fromthe past acquired data database 707 e. The BW variation degradationdetermining unit 710 x performs quality determination on the basis ofthe obtained bandwidth variation degradation degree and the variationdegradation degree reference data for bandwidth output from thereference database 707 d.

The comprehensive determining unit 710 y comprehensively determines, onthe basis of the quality determination results obtained by the V leveldegradation determining unit 710 q, Fo level degradation determiningunit 710 r, BW level degradation determining unit 710 s, V variationdegradation determining unit 710 v, Fo variation degradation determiningunit 710 w, and BW variation degradation determining unit 710 x, whetherthe ultrasound probe 200 is normal.

The reference database 707 d has an arrangement similar to that of thereference database 707 a. In the reference database 707 d, however,level degradation degree reference data are written instead of levelreference data, and variation degradation degree reference data arewritten instead of variation reference data.

In the past acquired data database 707 e, the amplitude values,amplitude variation degrees, center frequency values, center frequencyvariation degrees, bandwidth values, and bandwidth variation degreesmeasured in the past by the amplitude analyzing unit 706 b, centerfrequency analyzing unit 706 c, and bandwidth analyzing unit 706 d arewritten as past measured amplitude values, past measured amplitudevariation degrees, past measured center frequency values, past measuredcenter frequency variation degrees, past measured bandwidth values, andpast measured bandwidth variation degrees, respectively.

In the main unit 700 of the eighth embodiment having the abovearrangement, an amplitude value degradation degree, center frequencyvalue degradation degree, bandwidth degradation degree, amplitudevariation degradation degree, center frequency degradation degree, andbandwidth degradation degree are obtained. The operation of the eighthembodiment differs from that of the fifth embodiment only in thatquality determination on each channel is performed depending on whethereach of the degradation degrees, instead of each feature value or itsvariation degree, falls within the reference range indicated bycorresponding reference data.

The eighth embodiment can therefore achieve the same effects as those ofthe fifth embodiment.

The fifth to eighth embodiments described above can be variouslymodified as follows.

Normality or abnormality degrees may be ranked by indicating a pluralityof reference ranges using reference data. For example, ranking normalitydegrees as shown in FIG. 32 allows the maintenance operator to recognizethe degradation degree of the ultrasound probe 200 on the basis of thisrank. This makes it possible to take some measures, e.g., preparing forfuture occurrence of abnormality.

Each reference value may be common to the respective channels.

Quality determination may be performed on the basis of only featurevalues without any consideration of variation degrees.

Only arbitrary one or two of an amplitude value, center frequency value,and bandwidth value may be set as a feature value or values to beconsidered. Alternatively, values other than those described above maybe used.

A reference database 707 a, a determination weight database 707 b, areference database 707 c, and the reference database 707 d or pastacquired data database 707 e may be prepared outside the main unit 700.In this case, each database is made accessible through, for example, aconnector 702 in advance.

Level reference data and variation reference data may be written indifferent databases.

Display operation based on a signal generated by the display processingunit 709 may be performed by a display unit 712 d. In this case, thedisplay processing unit 709 is connected to the image generating unit712 b. The image generating unit 712 b generates display data from thesignal generated by the display processing unit 709. The display data iswritten in the memory init 712 c.

This apparatus may be realized as an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus by omitting a medical diagnosing unit 712.

(Ninth Embodiment)

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the ninth embodiment. This ultrasound diagnostic apparatusincludes a main unit 800 and ultrasound probe 200.

As shown in FIG. 33, the main unit 800 includes connectors 801, 802, and803, a transmitting unit 804, a receiving unit 805, a measuring unit806, a storage medium 807, an interface unit 808, a display processingunit 809, a control unit 810, and a medical diagnosing unit 811.

A connector 201 provided in the ultrasound probe 200 to be diagnosed isattached to the connector 801. The connector 801 has contacts 801 aequal in number to contacts 201 a provided on the connector 201. Thecontacts 801 a are so arranged as to come into contact with the contacts201 a, respectively, when the connector 201 is attached to the connector801. An external device (not shown) is connected to the connector 802through a communication cable (not shown) such as a USB cable. Thisexternal device is, for example, a printer, network, personal computer,keyboard, pointing device, and digital camera.

The transmitting unit 804 transmits excitation signals for excitingultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The transmitting unit 804 cantransmit excitation signals for the respective ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 805 receives the signalsoutput from the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The receivingunit 805 can receive the signals output from the respective ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 805 outputsthe received signals.

The measuring unit 806 performs predetermined measurement processing onthe basis of the reception signals output from the receiving unit 805.The measuring unit 806 outputs the measurement information obtained bythe above measurement processing to the storage medium 807, interfaceunit 808, display processing unit 809, and control unit 810 under thecontrol of the control unit 810. The storage medium 807 is, for example,a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 807 stores various kinds ofinformation such as the above measurement information. The interfaceunit 808 performs communication processing conforming to, for example,the USB standard to realize communication with the external deviceconnected to the connector 802. The display processing unit 809generates an image signal for causing the monitor device connected tothe connector 803 to display an image on the basis of the abovemeasurement information, information supplied from the control unit 810,and the like.

The control unit 810 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. Thecontrol unit 810 systematically controls the respective units of themain unit 800 to realize operation for the diagnosis of the ultrasoundprobe 200. The control unit 810 has a function of determining theelectrical state of the ultrasound probe 200 on the basis of the voltageof each channel detected by the receiving unit 805 and the measurementresult obtained by the measuring unit 806. The control unit 810 has afunction of acquiring information indicating the quality of theappearance state of the ultrasound probe 200 by receiving designatingoperation by the maintenance operator. The control unit 810 has afunction of acquiring digital photographic data from the external deviceconnected to the connector 802.

The control unit 810 has a function of generating report data indicatinga report representing the electrical state determined by the abovefunction, the information indicating the quality of the appearance stateacquired by the above function, and the digital photograph acquired bythe above function.

The medical diagnosing unit 811 also includes an imaging control unit811 a, image generating unit 811 b, memory unit 811 c, and display unit811 d. The imaging control unit 811 a controls a transmitting unit 804,receiving unit 805, and image generating unit 811 b so as to performproper imaging processing in accordance with diagnosis contents or thelike. The image generating unit 811 b generates display data fordisplaying an image for medical diagnosis on the basis of the signalsoutput from the receiving unit 805. The image represented by displaydata includes, for example, a reconstructed image such as a tomographicimage or three-dimensional image concerning an organ or blood flow in asubject to be examined or a text image or graph representing ameasurement value such as a blood flow rate or its change. The memoryunit 811 c stores the above display data. The display unit 811 dperforms display operation based on the display data.

The operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having the abovearrangement will be described next.

When medical diagnosis on a subject to be examined is to be performed byusing the ultrasound probe 200, information useful for medical diagnosiscan be presented by activating the medical diagnosing unit 811 in thesame manner as a known ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

If it is required to diagnose the ultrasound probe 200, the control unit810 reads in the identification information output from anidentification information output unit 204. This identificationinformation is information for specifying each ultrasound probe 200. Thecontrol unit 810 acquires probe information concerning the ultrasoundprobe 200 from a database on the basis of the above identificationinformation. The database may be acquired in advance from the externaldevice connected to the connector 802 or may be stored in advance in thestorage medium 807. Probe information includes, for example, informationconcerning the user of the ultrasound probe 200 (e.g., a hospital name,customer site, section name, and address), the probe name of theultrasound probe 200, outer appearance picture data of the ultrasoundprobe 200, and a maintenance contract number.

The control unit 810 executes processing for determining the electricalstate of the ultrasound probe 200. The electrical state of theultrasound probe 200 can be determined on the basis, for example, thestate of a reflected ultrasound signal which can be received by usingthe ultrasound probe 200. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, a testobject is placed in a medium such as water in a vessel such as a waterbath, and ultrasound transducing elements 202 a are excited. Thereceiving unit 805 receives reflected ultrasound signals from the testobject through the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a, signal lines203 a, the contacts 201 a, and the contacts 801 a, and causes themeasuring unit 806 to measure various feature values concerning thereflected ultrasound signals (e.g., amplitude values, center frequencyvalues, frequency band values, and group delay time values). The controlunit 810 then determines the electrical state of the ultrasound probe200 on the basis of the feature values measured by the measuring unit806. The determination of this electrical state is, for example, qualitydetermination on the reception quality of a reflected ultrasound signal,determination of whether the signal line 203 a is broken, orcomprehensive quality determination of the ultrasound probe 200 based onthe above determining operations.

The control unit 810 prompts the maintenance operator to designatequality determination concerning several items associated withappearance states. In this embodiment, the maintenance operator isprompted to designate quality determination concerning the appearancestates of the head unit (lens surface), case unit, capable unit, andconnector unit. The maintenance operator visually checks the outerappearance of the ultrasound probe 200 to perform quality determinationconcerning each of the above items. Note that in performing qualitydetermination of the head unit, the maintenance operator considers, forexample, the occurrence of lens peeling/loosening, lens discoloration,lens expansion, lens gap, and lens indentation/flaws. In qualitydetermination of the case unit, the maintenance operator considers, forexample, fracture, contamination, flaws, and defects. In performingquality determination of the cable unit, the maintenance operatorconsiders, for example, flaws, cladding peeling, contamination, andhardening. In performing quality determination of the connector unit,the maintenance operator considers, for example, bents in contact pins,terminal contamination, and defects. The control unit 810 acquiresinformation indicating the quality of the appearance state of theultrasound probe 200 by receiving the designation made by themaintenance operator. Note that since the designation of the appearancestate is made by, for example, operating the keyboard, pointer, or thelike connected to the connector 802, the control unit 810 receivesinformation indicating this designating operation.

When the maintenance operator issues a request to capture a digitalphotograph, the control unit 810 can acquires digital photographic datafrom an external device such as a digital camera connected to theconnector 802 through the connector 802 and interface unit 808.

The control unit 810 generates report data indicating a report like thatshown in FIG. 34 by using the above determination result concerning theelectrical state, the acquired information indicating the quality of theappearance states, outer appearance picture data of the ultrasound probe200, the acquired digital photographic data, and acquired probeinformation. This report data is output to the external device connectedto the connector 802 through the interface unit 808. If, for example,the above report data is output to, for example, a printer connected asan external device to the connector 802, a report like that shown inFIG. 34 is printed by the printer. Referring to FIG. 34, an image I1indicates a determination result concerning the electrical state; animage I2, the quality of appearance states; and an image I3, a outerappearance picture of the ultrasound probe 200. The image I3 may bereplaced by a photograph obtained by the digital camera if themaintenance operator demands that the photograph be presented. In thiscase, the image I3 shows flaws, cladding peeling, contamination or thelike, if any at the time of photographing. The photograph is thereforeuseful in diagnosing the ultrasound probe 200.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, a reportindicating the electrical state of the ultrasound probe 200 andappearance states can be automatically generated. Using this reportallows the maintenance operator to easily and properly report the owneror user. Since a outer appearance picture of the ultrasound probe 200 ispresented, the maintenance operator can more easily know whichultrasound probe 200 is reported, than in the case where only the nameof the ultrasound probe 200 is shown.

The ninth embodiment can be variously modified in as follows.

For example, as shown in FIG. 35, a graphics image indicating anabnormality occurrence portion and abnormality contents may be generatedby inputting the designations of the abnormality occurrence portion andabnormality contents in a digital photograph, and may be combined withthe digital photograph to be presented in a report.

Either the quality of appearance states or a digital photograph may bepresented alone in a report. Alternatively, another information such asa character string indicating a finding by the maintenance operator maybe input to be presented in a report.

The transmitting unit 804 and receiving unit 805 each may be designed tohave a 1-channel arrangement by using a matrix switch with a multiplexerarrangement. This makes it possible to reduce the circuit sizes of thetransmitting unit 804 and receiving unit 805.

Various kinds of outer appearance information concerning various failurecases (listed cases in practice) concerning the head unit, case unit,cable unit, and connector unit are stored in the storage medium inassociation with probe information and appearance state determinationinformation. Outer appearance information stored in the above storagemedium may be acquired and presented by reading out the information bysearching/specifying operation in accordance with the selection of probeinformation/appearance state determination by the maintenance operator.In practice, one or a plurality of pieces of representative failureouter appearance information concerning each of the head unit, caseunit, cable unit, connector unit, and the like are stored in associationwith a probe information/determination item, and are read out(graphically processed as needed) in accordance with the probeinformation/determination item selected by the maintenance operator,thereby acquiring the corresponding outer appearance information. Notethat a computer graphics image indicating an appearance state can beused as outer appearance information.

Display operation based on a signal generated by the display processingunit 809 may be performed by a display unit 811 d. In this case, thedisplay processing unit 809 is connected to the image generating unit811 b. The image generating unit 811 b generates display data from thesignal generated by the display processing unit 809. The display data iswritten in the memory init 811 c.

This apparatus may be realized as an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus by omitting a medical diagnosing unit 811.

(10th Embodiment)

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the 10th embodiment.

This ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a main unit 900 andultrasound probe 200.

The main unit 900 includes connectors 901, 902, and 903, a transmittingunit 904, a receiving unit 905, a measuring unit 906, a storage medium907, an interface unit 908, a display processing unit 909, a controlunit 910, and a medical diagnosing unit 911.

A connector 201 is attached to the connector 901. The connector 901 hascontacts 901 a equal in number to contacts 201 a provided on theconnector 201. The contacts 901 a are so arranged as to come intocontact with the contacts 201 a, respectively, when the connector 201 isattached to the connector 901. An external device (not shown) isconnected to the connector 902 through a communication cable (not shown)such as a USB cable. This external device is, for example, a printer,network, personal computer, keyboard, and pointing device. A monitordevice (not shown) is connected to the connector 903 through a monitorcable (not shown).

The transmitting unit 904 transmits excitation signals for excitingultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The transmitting unit 904 cantransmit excitation signals for the respective ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 905 receives the signalsoutput from the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The receivingunit 905 can receive the signals output from the plurality of ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 905 outputsthe received signals.

The measuring unit 906 performs predetermined measurement processing onthe basis of the reception signals output from the receiving unit 905.The measuring unit 906 outputs the measurement information obtained bythe above measurement processing to the storage medium 907, interfaceunit 908, display processing unit 909, and control unit 910 under thecontrol of the control unit 910. The storage medium 907 is, for example,a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 907 stores various kinds ofinformation such as the above measurement information. The interfaceunit 908 performs communication processing conforming to, for example,the USB standard to realize communication with the external deviceconnected to the connector 902. The display processing unit 909generates an image signal for causing the monitor device connected tothe connector 903 to display an image on the basis of the abovemeasurement information, information supplied from the control unit 910,and the like.

The control unit 910 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. Thecontrol unit 910 systematically controls the respective units of theultrasound diagnostic apparatus 900 to realize operation for thediagnosis of the ultrasound probe 200. The control unit 910 has afunction of diagnosing the state of each channel on the basis of thevoltage of each channel detected by the receiving unit 905 and themeasurement result obtained by the measuring unit 906. The control unit910 also has a function of controlling the display processing unit 909to generate display data for graphically displaying the positions of thecontacts 201 a in the connector 201 in correspondence with the abovecheck results concerning channels including the contacts 201 a.

The medical diagnosing unit 911 also includes an imaging control unit911 a, image generating unit 911 b, memory unit 911 c, and display unit911 d. The imaging control unit 911 a controls the transmitting unit904, receiving unit 905, and image generating unit 911 b so as toperform proper imaging processing in accordance with diagnosis contentsor the like. The image generating unit 911 b generates display data fordisplaying an image for medical diagnosis on the basis of the signalsoutput from the receiving unit 905. The image represented by displaydata includes, for example, a reconstructed image such as a tomographicimage or three-dimensional image concerning an organ or blood flow in asubject to be examined or a text image or graph representing ameasurement value such as a blood flow rate or its change. The memoryunit 911 c stores the above display data. The display unit 911 dperforms display operation based on the display data.

FIG. 37 is a view showing an example of the outer appearance of theconnector 201 in FIG. 36. The connector 201 shown in FIG. 37 has manycontacts 201 a arranged in the form of a matrix. The connector 201 shownin FIG. 37 has a total of 360 contacts 201 a, more specifically, twocontact groups each having contacts arranged in a 15×12 matrix. Signallines 203 a are connected to some of the 360 contact 201 a. If, forexample, the ultrasound probe 200 has a 128-channel arrangement, 128signal lines 203 a are respectively connected to 128 contacts 201 a.Other contacts 201 a are connected to the identification informationoutput unit 204 or to power supply lines and ground lines (none of whichare shown in FIG. 36). There are a plurality of models of ultrasoundprobes 200, e.g., ultrasound probes having different numbers ofchannels. The connector 201 shown in FIG. 37 can be commonly used forthese models. Therefore, which contacts of the 360 contacts are to beconnected to the signal lines 203 a varies depending on the model.

The operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having the abovearrangement will be described next.

When medical diagnosis on a subject to be examined is to be performed byusing the ultrasound probe 200, information useful for medical diagnosiscan be presented by activating the medical diagnosing unit 911 in thesame manner as a known ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

If it is required to diagnose the state of each channel in theultrasound probe 200, the control unit 910 determines to which one ofthe many contacts 201 a of the connector 201 the channel whose state isto be diagnosed belongs. More specifically, the control unit 910 readsin the identification information output from the identificationinformation output unit 204. The control unit 910 determines the modelof the ultrasound probe 200 connected to the connector 901 on the basisof the above identification information. The identification informationis information for specifying each ultrasound probe 200, and does notgenerally include information indicating a model. The control unit 910determines the model of the ultrasound probe 200 by referring to adatabase in which pieces of model information are written incorrespondence with various kinds of identification information. Thedatabase may be acquired in advance from the external device connectedto the connector 902 or stored in advance in the storage medium 907.Alternatively, information indicating a model may be contained inidentification information, and the control unit 910 may directlydetermine the model of the ultrasound probe 200 from this information.The control unit 910 determines the function of each contact 201 a inthe mode determined above by referring to the above database or anotherdatabase. Note that when only the ultrasound probe 200 of the model inwhich the functions of the respective contacts 201 a are the same is tobe diagnosed, such processing can be omitted.

The control unit 910 diagnoses the state of each channel to be diagnosedwhich is determined in the above manner. A method of diagnosing thestate of a channel may be arbitrary. For example, the state of eachchannel can be diagnosed on the basis of the state of a reflectedultrasound signal which can be received by using the channel. Morespecifically, as shown in FIG. 36, a test object is placed in a mediumsuch as water in a vessel such as a water bath, and the ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a are excited. The receiving unit 905 receivesreflected ultrasound signals from the test object through the ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a, signal lines 203 a, the contacts 201 a, andthe contacts 901 a, and causes the measuring unit 906 to collect variousdata concerning the reflected ultrasound signals. The control unit 910then determines the state of each channel on the basis of the datacollected by the measuring unit 906. Alternatively, the state of eachchannel can be diagnosed on the basis of the transient responsecharacteristic of the voltage of the signal line 203 a when a DC voltageis applied to the signal line 203 a or the bias voltage output from anelectronic circuit (not shown) provided for the ultrasound probe 200.

Upon completing diagnosis concerning all the channels whose states areto be diagnosed, the control unit 910 causes the display processing unit909 to generate display data indicating this diagnosis result. Thedisplay data generated by the display processing unit 909 is sent to themonitor device through the connector 903. The monitor device displaysthe image indicating the diagnosis result on the basis of the abovedisplay data.

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 900 can display a diagnosis resultby three display methods, i.e., the first to third display methods.Determining which one of the three display methods is to be used inaccordance with designation by the user makes it possible to performdisplay operation in accordance with user's need.

FIG. 38 is a view showing an example of the image displayed by the firstdisplay method.

The image shown in FIG. 38 is based on a computer graphics imageindicating the arrangement pattern of the contacts 201 a of theconnector 201. A computer graphics image indicating diagnosis resultsconcerning channels belonging to the contacts 201 a arranged at therespective positions in the graphics image serving as this base iscombined with the graphics image serving as the above base. Referring toFIG. 38, color differences are indicated by different kinds ofhatchings. In the image shown in FIG. 38, at the position of the contact201 a to which a channel in which abnormality has been found belongs, anumeral indicating the corresponding channel number is combined.

FIG. 39 is a view showing an example of the image displayed by thesecond display method.

The image shown in FIG. 39 indicates, by using characters, pieces ofconnector location information indicating the positions of the contacts201 a of the connector 201 to which the respective channels belong anddiagnosis results in correspondence with the respective channel numbers.

Connector location information comprises a combination of a row numberassigned to each row of the matrix of the contacts 201 a of theconnector 201 and a column number assigned to each column. For example,the connector 201 shown in FIG. 37 has the contacts 201 a arranged in a30 (rows)×12 (columns) matrix, and the 30 rows are assigned A to Z and ato g as row numbers, and the 12 columns are assigned 1 to 12 as columnnumbers. In the case shown in FIG. 39, connector location informationconcerning the channel whose channel number is “1” is represented by“A-12”. This indicates that the contact 201 a belonging to the channelwhose channel number is “1” is located at the Ath row and 12th column.

FIGS. 40 a and 40B are views showing an example of the image displayedby the third display method.

The image shown in each of FIGS. 40A and 40B is based on an actual imageI11 of the outer appearance of the connector 201 which is imaged toindicate the arrangement of the contacts 201 a in the connector 201. Inthe initial state, only the actual image I11 described above and apointer P are indicated, as shown in FIG. 40A.

In this state, the control unit 910 receives pointer operation by theuser with, for example, the pointing device connected to the connector902. The control unit 910 moves the pointer P in accordance with thispointer operation.

If the pointer P is moved to a position designating any one of thecontacts on the actual image I11 as shown in FIG. 40B, the control unit910 updates the image to display an image I12 indicating a diagnosisresult concerning the channel belonging to the designated contact bycombining it with the above image, as shown in FIG. 40B.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a diagnosis resultconcerning each channel is displayed in correspondence with the positionof the corresponding contact 201 a belonging to the channel in theconnector 201. If, therefore, a failure has occurred in any of thechannels, the maintenance operator can easily know, by only visualobservation, to which one of the contacts 201 a the channel belongs. Itis easy to discriminate the signal line 203 a connected to the specificcontact 201 a. It is also easy to discriminate the ultrasoundtransducing element 202 a belonging to the same channel as that of thespecific contact 201 a by tracing the signal line 203 a discriminated inthis manner. As described above, the maintenance operator can easilydiscriminate the contact 201 a, ultrasound transducing element 202 a,and signal line 203 a which constitute the channel in which abnormalityhas occurred. This makes it easy for the maintenance operator torecognize the portion in which the failure has occurred. Since thismakes it possible to shorten the time required to recognize a failureoccurrence portion, the time required to repair the ultrasound probe 200can be shortened.

The 10th embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

Although a diagnosis result can be displayed by each of the threedisplay methods, i.e., the first to third display methods, theembodiment may be designed to display the diagnosis result by only oneor two display methods.

The base image in the first display method may be replaced with theactual image used in the third display method.

The base image in the third display method may be replaced with thecomputer graphics image as the base used in the first display method.

Information for presenting a diagnosis result may be generated by apresenting method other than the display methods. For example, printdata for causing the printer to print an image like that described abovemay be generated. In this case, generating print data indicating theimage obtained by combining the above image with a predetermined formfor a report makes it possible to easily and automatically generate areport indicating diagnosis results so as to make them easy tounderstand as described above.

The transmitting unit 904 and receiving unit 905 each may be designed tohave a 1-channel arrangement by using a matrix switch with a multiplexerarrangement. This makes it possible to reduce the circuit sizes of thetransmitting unit 904 and receiving unit 905.

Display operation based on a signal generated by a display processingunit 909 may be performed by a display unit 911 d. In this case, thedisplay processing unit 909 is connected to the image generating unit911 b. The image generating unit 911 b generates display data from thesignal generated by the display processing unit 909. The display data iswritten in the memory init 911 c.

This apparatus may be realized as an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus by omitting a medical diagnosing unit 911.

(11th Embodiment)

FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ultrasounddiagnostic apparatus having a function of diagnosing an ultrasound probeaccording to the 11th embodiment. This ultrasound diagnostic apparatusincludes a main unit 1000 and ultrasound probe 200.

The main unit 1000 includes connectors 1001, 1002, and 1003, atransmitting unit 1004, a receiving unit 1005, a measuring unit 1006, astorage medium 1007, an interface unit 1008, a display processing unit1009, an image simulation processing unit 1010, a control unit 1011, anda medical diagnosing unit 1012.

A connector 201 provided in the ultrasound probe 200 is attached to theconnector 1001. The connector 1001 has contacts 1001 a equal in numberto contacts 201 a provided on the connector 201. The contacts 1001 a areso arranged as to come into contact with the contacts 201 a,respectively, when the connector 201 is attached to the connector 1001.An external device (not shown) is connected to the connector 1002through a communication cable (not shown) such as a USB cable. Thisexternal device is, for example, a printer, network, personal computer,keyboard, and pointing device. A monitor device (not shown) is connectedto the connector 1003 through a monitor cable (not shown).

The transmitting unit 1004 transmits excitation signals for excitingultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The transmitting unit 1004 cantransmit excitation signals for the respective ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 1005 receives the signalsoutput from the ultrasound transducing elements 202 a. The receivingunit 1005 can receive the signals output from the ultrasound transducingelements 202 a in parallel. The receiving unit 1005 outputs the receivedsignals.

The measuring unit 1006 performs predetermined measurement processing onthe basis of the reception signals output from the receiving unit 1005.The measuring unit 1006 outputs the measurement information obtained bythe above measurement processing to the storage medium 1007, interfaceunit 1008, display processing unit 1009, and control unit 1011 under thecontrol of the control unit 1011. The storage medium 1007 is, forexample, a semiconductor memory. The storage medium 1007 stores variouskinds of information such as the above measurement information. Theinterface unit 1008 performs communication processing conforming to, forexample, the USB standard to realize communication with the externaldevice connected to the connector 1002. The display processing unit 1009generates an image signal for causing the monitor device connected tothe connector 1003 to display an image on the basis of the abovemeasurement information, information supplied from the control unit1011, and the like.

The image simulation processing unit 1010 comprises, for example, amicroprocessor. The image simulation processing unit 1010 generates asimulation image by image simulation simulating an ultrasound diagnosticapparatus using a virtual ultrasound probe or ideal ultrasound probewhich is constructed by the control unit 1011.

The control unit 1011 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. Thecontrol unit 1011 systematically controls the respective units of themain unit 1000 to realize operation for the diagnosis of the ultrasoundprobe 200. The control unit 1011 also has a function of obtaining thefeature value of a reflected ultrasound signal on the basis of themeasurement result obtained by the measuring unit 1006. The control unit1011 has a function of constructing a virtual ultrasound probe on thebasis of the above feature amount. The control unit 1011 has a functionof generating report data indicating a report with which the simulationimage generated by the image simulation processing unit 1010 iscombined.

The medical diagnosing unit 1012 also includes an imaging control unit1012 a, image generating unit 1012 b, memory unit 1012 c, and displayunit 1012 d. The imaging control unit 1012 a controls the transmittingunit 1004, receiving unit 1005, and image generating unit 1012 b so asto perform proper imaging processing in accordance with diagnosiscontents or the like. The image generating unit 1012 b generates displaydata for displaying an image for medical diagnosis on the basis of thesignals output from the receiving unit 1005. The image represented bydisplay data includes, for example, a reconstructed image such as atomographic image or three-dimensional image concerning an organ orblood flow in a subject to be examined or a text image or graphrepresenting a measurement value such as a blood flow rate or itschange. The memory unit 1012 c stores the above display data. Thedisplay unit 1012 d performs display operation based on the displaydata.

The operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having the abovearrangement will be described next.

When medical diagnosis on a subject to be examined is to be performed byusing the ultrasound probe 200, information useful for medical diagnosiscan be presented by activating the medical diagnosing unit 1012 in thesame manner as a known ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

In diagnosing the ultrasound probe 200, a maintenance operator places atest object in a medium such as water in a vessel such as a water bathand also makes the head unit 202 face the test object in advance, asshown in FIG. 41.

If it is required to diagnose the ultrasound probe 200 connected to theconnector 1001, the control unit 1011 executes the processing shown inFIG. 42A and the processing shown in FIG. 42B.

In step Sd1 in FIG. 42A, the control unit 1011 causes the respectiveunits to acquire measured data. More specifically, the control unit 1011causes the transmitting unit 1004 to excite the ultrasound transducingelements 202 a. The 1011 also causes the receiving unit 1005 to receivereflected ultrasound signals from the test object through the ultrasoundtransducing elements 202 a, signal lines 203 a, contacts 201 a, andcontacts 1001 a. The control unit 1011 further causes the measuring unit1006 to collect various kinds of data concerning the reflectedultrasound signals. The measuring unit 1006 stores the collected data inthe storage medium 1007. This measured data acquisition is performed foreach channel.

In step Sd2, the control unit 1011 performs signal analysis. That is,the control unit 1011 analyzes the reflected ultrasound signals on thebasis of the measured data stored in the storage medium 1007, andobtains the feature values of the reflected ultrasound signals for eachchannel. As feature values, amplitude values, center frequency values,frequency band values, group delay time values, and the like areconceivable. In this embodiment, these amplitudes, center frequencies,frequency bands, and group delays are obtained. In step Sd3, the controlunit 1011 stores amplitude data, center frequency data, frequency banddata, and group delay data representing the respective values obtainedin the above manner in the storage medium 1007.

In step Sd4, the control unit 1011 instructs the image simulationprocessing unit 1010 to construct a virtual ultrasound probe. Uponreceiving this instruction, the image simulation processing unit 1010constructs a virtual ultrasound probe on the basis of the amplitudevalues, center frequency values, frequency band values, and group delaytime values calculated in the above manner. In step Sd5, the controlunit 1011 issues an instruction to execute image simulation using theconstructed virtual ultrasound probe. Upon receiving this instruction,the image simulation processing unit 1010 executes image simulationsimulating an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using the above ultrasoundprobe. A known technique can be applied to this image simulation. Forexample, in image simulation based on a point spread function (PSF),transmission/reception characteristic parameters of a lattice array maybe obtained by using the above feature values. The image simulationprocessing unit 1010 stores an image obtained as a result of such imagesimulation as a check probe image in the storage medium 1007.

In step Se1 in FIG. 42B, the control unit 1011 reads in theidentification information output from an identification informationoutput unit 204. In step Se2, the control unit 1011 acquires probeinformation concerning the model of the ultrasound probe 200 connectedto the connector 1001. The model of the ultrasound probe 200 isdetermined on the basis of the above identification information. Theidentification information is information for specifying each ultrasoundprobe 200, and does not generally include information indicating amodel. The control unit 1011 determines the model of the ultrasoundprobe 200 by referring to a database in which pieces of modelinformation are written in correspondence with various kinds ofidentification information. The database may be acquired in advance fromthe external device connected to the connector 1002 or stored in advancein the storage medium 1007. Alternatively, information indicating amodel may be contained in identification information, and the controlunit 1011 may directly determine the model of the ultrasound probe 200from this information. Probe information is information containing theideal value of the above feature value concerning each model. Thecontrol unit 1011 acquires probe information from the above database oranother database. Note that when only the single model of the ultrasoundprobe 200 is to be diagnosed, such processing can be omitted.

In step Se3, the control unit 1011 constructs an ideal ultrasound probeon the basis of the feature values indicated by the above acquired probeinformation. In step Se4, the control unit 1011 issues an instruction toexecute image simulation using the constructed ideal ultrasound probe.Upon receiving this instruction, the image simulation processing unit1010 executes image simulation simulating an ultrasound diagnosticapparatus using the above ideal ultrasound probe. The image simulationprocessing unit 1010 stores an image obtained as a result of such imagesimulation as a reference probe image in the storage medium 1007.

In step Sd5 in FIG. 42A, the control unit 1011 reads out a check probeimage and reference probe image from the storage medium 1007, andgenerates a comparative display image presenting these images side byside. FIG. 43 is a view showing an example of this comparative displayimage. A signal for causing the monitor device to display thecomparative display image is generated by the display processing unit1009 under the control of the control unit 1011, and is output from theconnector 1003.

The control unit 1011 can generate the print data of a report like thatshown in FIG. 34 which contains the comparative display image. Thisprint data is sent to a printer through the interface unit 1008 andconnector 1002 and printed.

As described above, according to the 11th embodiment, a check probeimage can be presented, which is obtained by image simulation using avirtual ultrasound probe constructed while reflecting the state of theultrasound probe 200 which is determined from the reception states ofreflected ultrasound signals from a test object. The maintenanceoperator can easily and properly recognize the degree of influence of adeterioration in the ultrasound probe 200 on image diagnosis on thebasis of this check probe image.

According to the 11th embodiment, the reference probe image obtained byimage simulation using the ideal ultrasound probe having idealcharacteristics is presented together with the above check probe image.This allows the maintenance operator to more easily and properlyrecognize the degree of influence of a deterioration in the ultrasoundprobe 200 on image diagnosis by comparing the check probe image with thereference probe image.

In addition, according to the 11th embodiment, a report containing acheck probe image can be automatically printed. By using the reportprinted by this function, the maintenance operator can report to theuser of the ultrasound probe 200 the current state of the ultrasoundprobe 200 so as to make it easy to understand.

The 11th embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

In image simulation, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus may generate animage such as a B-mode image, M-mode image, or Doppler image. Thisallows the maintenance operator to more precisely recognize a degree ofinfluence on actual image diagnosis.

As a reference probe image, an image prepared in advance may be used.

An ideal ultrasound probe may be constructed on the basis of the initialcharacteristics of the ultrasound probe 200 to be examined at the timeof shipment or the like, and a reference probe image may be obtained byimage simulation using the ideal ultrasound probe. In this case, thecharacteristics of each ultrasound probe 200 in an initial state, e.g.,at the time of shipment, or average characteristics for each lot areregistered in a database.

Alternatively, a check probe image obtained in the past may be stored inthe storage medium 1007 or registered in an external database, and maybe used as a reference probe image.

A reference probe image need not be presented.

A check probe image may be output to an external device to bearbitrarily used for, for example, display operation or the generationof a report.

The transmitting unit 1004 and receiving unit 1005 each may be designedto have a 1-channel arrangement by using a matrix switch with amultiplexer arrangement. This makes it possible to reduce the circuitsizes of the transmitting unit 1004 and receiving unit 1005.

Display operation based on a signal generated by the display processingunit 1009 may be performed by the display unit 1012 d. In this case, thedisplay processing unit 1009 is connected to the image generating unit1012 b. The image generating unit 1012 b generates display data from thesignal generated by the display processing unit 1009. The display datais written in the memory init 1012 c.

This apparatus may be realized as an ultrasound probe diagnosingapparatus by omitting the medical diagnosing unit 1012.

Note that a plurality of functions of the ultrasound probe diagnosingfunctions described in the respective embodiments described above can beprovided for a single ultrasound diagnostic apparatus or ultrasoundprobe diagnosing apparatus.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus whichdiagnoses an ultrasound probe, of a plurality of ultrasound probes,which is set as a diagnosis target, comprising: a measuring part whichmeasures an amplitude, a center frequency, and a bandwidth of areflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; a part which obtains avariation degree of each of the measured amplitudes, center frequencies,and bandwidths; and a determining part which compares the measuredamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with corresponding ones ofamplitude reference values, center frequency reference values, andbandwidth reference values, compares the obtained variation degrees ofthe measured amplitudes, center frequencies, and bandwidths with anamplitude-variation reference degree, a center-frequency-variationreference degree, and a bandwidth-variation reference degree,respectively, and determines whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal, based on the comparison results.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining part compares,with the respective amplitude reference values, center frequencyreference values, and bandwidth reference values, the amplitude, thecenter frequency, and the bandwidth measured with respect to each of thereflected ultrasound signals received by a plurality of transducers ofthe ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target, compares, with theamplitude-variation reference degree, the center-frequency-variationreference degree, and the bandwidth-variation reference degree, theobtained variation degrees of the amplitudes, center frequencies, andbandwidths measured with respect to each of the reflected ultrasoundsignals received by a plurality of transducers of the ultrasound probeset as the diagnosis target, and determines, on the basis of thecomparison results, whether the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosistarget is normal.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedetermining part weights comparison results concerning the amplitude,center frequency, and bandwidth, and comparison results concerning theamplitude-variation degree, the center-frequency-variation degree, andthe bandwidth-variation degree in accordance with weighting informationcorresponding to the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target, anddetermines, based on the weighted comparison results, whether theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.
 4. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, which further comprises a part which weights theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth measured with respect to eachof the reflected ultrasound signals received by the plurality oftransducers, in accordance with weighting information corresponding tothe ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target, and in which thedetermining part uses the weighted amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth to determine whether the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosistarget is normal.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, which furthercomprises further comprises a part which weights, in accordance with theacquired weighting information, each of amplitude-variation,center-frequency-variation, and bandwidth-variation degrees obtainedwith respect to the reflected ultrasound signals received by saidplurality of transducers, and in which the determining part uses theweighted amplitude-variation, center-frequency-variation, andbandwidth-variation degrees to determine whether the ultrasound probe isnormal.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, which further comprises astorage part which stores the amplitudes, center frequencies, andbandwidths measured in the past, and a part which obtains a degradationdegree of newly measured amplitude, center frequency and bandwidth withrespect to the amplitudes, center frequencies and bandwidths stored inthe storage part, and in which the determining part compares theobtained degradation degrees of the amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth with respective amplitude-degradation reference degrees,center-frequency-degradation reference degrees, andbandwidth-degradation reference degrees, and determines, on the basis ofthe comparison results, whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, whichfurther comprises a storage part which stores the amplitude, centerfrequency, and bandwidth, variation degrees acquired in the past, and apart which obtains a degradation degree of newly acquired amplitude,center frequency, and bandwidth variation degrees with respect to theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth variation degrees,respectively, stored in the storage part, and in which the determiningpart compares the obtained degradation degrees of the amplitude, centerfrequency, and bandwidth with respective amplitude-degradation referencedegrees, center-frequency-degradation reference degrees, andbandwidth-degradation reference degrees, and determines, on the basis ofthe comparison results, whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the determining part determines a normality degree of theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target on the basis of theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth or on the basis of thevariation degrees of the amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth, oron the basis of both the amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth, andthe variation degrees of the amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth.9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining partcompares, with the corresponding ones of the amplitude reference values,center frequency reference values, and bandwidth reference values, theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth measured with respect to eachof the reflected ultrasound signals received by a plurality oftransducers of the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target,compares, with the amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth-variationreference degrees, the variation degrees of the measured amplitudes,center frequencies, and bandwidths obtained with respect to each of thereflected ultrasound signals output from said plurality of transducers,and determines, on the basis of the comparison results, whether theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.
 10. Anultrasound diagnostic apparatus in which one of a plurality ofultrasound probes is selectively mounted to obtain information fordiagnosis on a subject to be examined on the basis of a reflectedultrasound wave received from the subject by the mounted ultrasoundprobe, comprising: a measuring part which measures an amplitude, acenter frequency, and a bandwidth of a reflected ultrasound signalreceived from a test object by the mounted ultrasound probe; a partwhich obtains a variation degree of each of measured amplitudes, centerfrequencies, and bandwidths; and a determining part which compares themeasured amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with correspondingones of the amplitude reference values, center frequency referencevalues, and bandwidth reference values, compares the obtained variationdegrees of the measured amplitudes, center frequencies, and bandwidthswith an amplitude-variation reference degree, acenter-frequency-variation reference degree, and a bandwidth-variationreference degree, respectively, and determines whether the ultrasoundprobe set as the diagnosis target is normal, based on the comparisonresults.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the determiningpart weights comparison results concerning the amplitude, centerfrequency, and bandwidth, and comparison results concerning theamplitude-variation degree, the center-frequency-variation degree, andthe bandwidth-variation degree in accordance with weighting informationcorresponding to the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target, anddetermines, based on the weighted comparison results, whether theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.
 12. An apparatusaccording to claim 10, which further comprises a part which weights theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth measured with respect to eachof the reflected ultrasound signals received by the plurality oftransducers, in accordance with weighting information corresponding tothe ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target, and in which thedetermining part uses the weighted amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth to determine whether the ultrasound probe is normal.
 13. Anapparatus according to claim 10, which further comprises furthercomprises a part which weights, in accordance with the acquiredweighting information, each of amplitude-variation,center-frequency-variation, and bandwidth-variation degrees obtainedwith respect to the reflected ultrasound signals received by saidplurality of transducers, and in which the determining part uses theweighted amplitude-variation, center-frequency-variation, andbandwidth-variation degrees to determine whether the ultrasound probe isnormal.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 10, which further comprisesa storage part which stores the amplitudes, center frequencies, andbandwidths measured in the past, and a part which obtains a degradationdegree of newly measured amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth withrespect to the amplitudes, center frequencies, and bandwidths stored inthe storage part, and in which the determining part compares theobtained degradation degrees of the amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth with respective amplitude-degradation reference degrees,center-frequency-degradation reference degrees, andbandwidth-degradation reference degrees, and determines, on the basis ofthe comparison results, whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 10,which further comprises a storage part which stores the amplitude,center frequency, and bandwidth variation degrees acquired in the past,and a part which obtains a degradation degree of newly acquiredamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth variation degrees withrespect to the amplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth variationdegrees, respectively, stored in the storage part, and in which thedetermining part compares the obtained degradation degrees of theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with respectiveamplitude-degradation reference degrees, center-frequency-degradationreference degrees, and bandwidth-degradation reference degrees, anddetermines, on the basis of the comparison results, whether theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.
 16. Anultrasound probe diagnosing method of diagnosing an ultrasound probe, ofa plurality of ultrasound probes, which is set as a diagnosis target,comprising: measuring an amplitude, a center frequency, and a bandwidthof a reflected ultrasound signal received from a test object by theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target; obtaining a variationdegree of each of measured amplitudes, center frequencies, andbandwidths; and comparing the measured amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth with corresponding ones of the amplitude reference values,center frequency reference values, and bandwidth reference values,comparing the obtained variation degrees of the measured amplitudes,center frequencies, and bandwidths with an amplitude-variation referencedegree, a center-frequency-variation reference degree, and abandwidth-variation reference degree, respectively, and determiningwhether the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal,based on the comparison results.
 17. A method according to claim 16,which further comprises weighting comparison results concerning theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth, and comparison resultsconcerning the amplitude-variation degree, thecenter-frequency-variation degree, and the bandwidth-variation degree inaccordance with weighting information corresponding to the ultrasoundprobe set as the diagnosis target, and determining, based on theweighted comparison results, whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal.
 18. A method according to claim 16, whichfurther comprises, weighting the amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth measured with respect to each of the reflected ultrasoundsignals received by the plurality of transducers, in accordance withweighting information corresponding to the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target, and using the weighted feature value to determinewhether the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal. 19.A method according to claim 16, wherein each of amplitude-variation,center-frequency-variation, and bandwidth-variation degrees obtainedwith respect to the reflected ultrasound signals received by saidplurality of transducers is weighted in accordance with the acquiredweighting information, and the weighted amplitude-variation,center-frequency-variation, and bandwidth-variation degrees are used todetermine whether the ultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target isnormal.
 20. A method according to claim 16, wherein amplitudes, centerfrequencies, and bandwidths measured in the past are stored, adegradation degree of newly measured amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth with respect to the stored amplitudes, center frequencies, andbandwidths are obtained, and the obtained degradation degrees of theamplitude, center frequency, and bandwidth with respectiveamplitude-degradation reference degrees, center-frequency-degradationreference degrees, and bandwidth-degradation reference degrees, anddetermines, on the basis of the comparison results, whether theultrasound probe set as the diagnosis target is normal.
 21. A methodaccording to claim 16, wherein amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth variation degrees acquired in the past are stored, adegradation degree of newly acquired amplitude, center frequency, andbandwidth variation degrees with respect to the stored amplitude, centerfrequency, and bandwidth variation degrees, respectively are obtained,and the obtained degradation degrees of the amplitude, center frequency,and bandwidth are compared with respective amplitude-degradationreference degrees, center-frequency-degradation reference degrees, andbandwidth-degradation reference degrees, and it is determined, on thebasis of the comparison results, whether the ultrasound probe set as thediagnosis target is normal.